By Lydia Kukua Asamoah, GNA
Accra, Sept. 13, GNA – Nane Maria Lagergren,
the widow of Kofi Atta Annan, the Seventh United Nations Secretary-General, on
Thursday, thanked Ghana for the gift of a husband who many have commended as
having represented the best of humankind.
Nane said she believed that the Peace and
humanitarian legend that Kofi Annan became was inspired by his formative
foundation, rooted in cherished Ghanaian customs and values.
The legacy of Kofi Annan, she said in a
tribute at a State Funeral Service, will continue to live on ‘as he starts his
long journey to eternity’.
She described the times they spent together as
a couple “as wondrous moments wondrous moments” and thanked him for sharing his
“courageous heart, his love of life and deep humanity with her.”
“I’m grateful that we celebrated your 80th
birthday in the fold of our beautiful family and made wonderful memories, which
will continue to give us strength,” Nane, who married Kofi Annan in 1984, said
in a calm voice.
“May you rest in peace and may your wisdom and
compassion continue to inspire us and light our way.”
Between them, they had Ama, Kojo and Nina as
their children.
Nane also expressed gratitude to the millions
of mourners across the globe who had condoled with them since the passing of
their beloved, on August 18, 2018.
Ama Annan Adedeji, daughter of Kofi Annan,
said to his father: “Thank you for believing in me, your unwavering support and
most of all, for showing me how to live by letting me watch you”.
He brother, Kojo, also commended, “You took
all my needs upon your broad shoulders, whilst at the same time carrying the
world’s problems”.
The memorial service was attended by many
dignitaries and well-wishers, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and Samira
Bawumia, all the former Presidents in Ghana, and some foreign Presidents as
well.
Mr Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General
was also at the ceremony to read a tribute on behalf of the World Body, describing
Kofi Annan, “as a guiding force for good”.
“During the tumultuous era in which he led the
United Nations, he combined compassion, commitment and diplomatic skill to
bring the Organisation closer to the world’s people, build the foundations of
peace and give life to the values of the Charter”, Guterres said of Kofi Annan,
the doyen world peace.
Kofi Annan rose through the ranks to head the
UN from January 1997 to December 1996.
In 2001, he co-won the Nobel Peace Prize with
the world body.
GNA