President Akufo-Addo leads social media tribute for Kofi Annan

By
Julius K. Satsi, GNA

Accra, Aug.  18, GNA – Shortly after the confirmation of
the demise of the legendary Kofi Annan by the Kofi Annan Foundation and the
Annan family, the President of the Republic of Ghana has led in the expression
of sorrow.

“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.”

Many renowned people
around the world are pouring in their tributes, with some sharing fond memories
they had with him through world forums and other platforms.

The President, in a
tweet said: “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.”

“Undoubtedly, he excelled
in the various undertakings of his life, leaving in his trail most pleasant
memories. His was a life well-lived,”

Zeid Raad Al Hussein,
the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a tweet he was
grief-stricken over Annan’s death.

He said: “I am
grief-stricken over the death of Kofi Annan. Kofi was the epitome of human
decency and grace. In a world now filled with leaders who are anything but
that, the world’s loss becomes even more painful. He was a friend to thousands
and a leader of millions.”

Madam Thereza May, the
British Prime Minister, said in a tweet that: “Sad to hear of the death of Kofi
Annan. A great leader and reformer of the UN, he made a huge contribution to
making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into. My
thoughts and condolences are with his family.

Mr Jens Stoltenberg,
Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, said in a tweet:
“Saddened to hear that Kofi Annan has passed away. His warmth should never be
mistaken for weakness.

Annan showed that one
can be a great humanitarian and a strong leader at the same time. The UN and
the world have lost one of their giants,” he added.

Mr Narendra Modi, the
Indian Prime Minister, said “the world has lost not only a great African
diplomat and humanitarian but also a conscience keeper of international peace
and security”.

The family and the
foundation named after him said Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the
United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday
18th August after a short illness. His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo
and Nina were by his side during his last days.

Kofi Annan was a
global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout
his life for a fairer and more peaceful world.

During his
distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations, he was an ardent
champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.

After stepping down
from the United Nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the cause of peace
through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as chair of The
Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration to young and
old alike.

Kofi Annan was a son
of Ghana and felt a special responsibility towards Africa.  He was particularly committed to African
development and deeply engaged in many initiatives, including his chairmanship
of the Africa Progress Panel and his early leadership of the Alliance for a
Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

Wherever there was suffering
or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and
empathy.

He selflessly placed
others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he
did. 

He will be greatly
missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and
his many former colleagues in the United Nations system.  He will remain in our hearts forever.

GNA

قالب وردپرس