President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has eulogized Ghanaian and former United Nation’s Secretary-General, Kofi Annan who passed away today, August 18, 2018.
“I extend, on behalf of the entire Ghanaian nation, our sincere, heartfelt condolences to his beloved widow, Nane Maria, and to his devoted children, Ama, Kojo, and Nina, on this great loss. I am, however, comforted by the information, after speaking to Nane Maria, that he died peacefully in his sleep,” he said in a statement.
The former UN Secretary-General passed away after a short illness at a Hospital in the Swiss city of Bern.
He is reported to have fallen ill on his way back from South Africa (the Mandela centenary).
Reports indicate that Kofi Annan was hospitalized in Geneva and later airlifted to the capital, Bern where he died.
A statement from his foundation said, “His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days.”
President Akufo-Addo in the statement described Kofi Annan as a “consummate international diplomat and highly respected former Secretary General of the United Nations” who brought “considerable renown” to Ghana.
He has thus directed that Ghana flags both internally and Ghana’s missions worldwide should fly at half-mast in honor of Kofi Annan.
“I have directed that, in his honor, Ghana’s national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all of Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the world, from Monday, 20th August 2018, for one week,” he added.
Below is the full statement from the presidency:
President Akufo-Addo Mourns Kofi Annan
The Government and people of Ghana, First Lady Rebecca and I are deeply saddened by the news of the death, in Berne, Switzerland, of one of our greatest compatriots, Mr. Kofi Annan.
I extend, on behalf of the entire Ghanaian nation, our sincere, heartfelt condolences to his beloved widow, Nane Maria, and to his devoted children, Ama, Kojo, and Nina, on this great loss. I am, however, comforted by the information, after speaking to Nane Maria, that he died peacefully in his sleep.
Consummate international diplomat and highly respected former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan was the first from sub-Saharan Africa to occupy this exalted position. He brought considerable renown to our country by this position and through his conduct and comportment in the global arena. He was an ardent believer in the capacity of the Ghanaian to chart his or her own course onto the path of progress and prosperity. Undoubtedly, he excelled in the various undertakings of his life, leaving in his trail most pleasant memories. His was a life well-lived.
I have directed that, in his honour, Ghana’s national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all of Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the world, from Monday, 20th August, 2018, for one week.
Rest in perfect peace, Kofi. You have earned it. God bless.
……signed……
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President of the Republic
