Kofi Annan is Dead
Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations has been confirmed dead.
The Ghanaian diplomat died in the morning of Saturday, August 18, 2018 in Switzerland following a short illness.
The death of the 7th Secretary-General of UN was announced in a statement released by his foundation known as the Kofi Annan Foundation.
The global citizen left behind a wife known as Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina.
Read the full statement below:
It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, 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.
The family kindly requests privacy at this time of mourning. Arrangements to celebrate his remarkable life will be announced later.
Tributes have since been pouring in for the philanthropist — among them include those from political heads, diplomats,business owners and many more.
Tributes for Kofi Annan
Read some of the tributes from renowned personalities across the globe below:
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. 1/7
— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) August 18, 2018
He lived and worked for global peace, security and sustainable development in very challenging times. A proud son of Ghana and Africa.
RIP Kofi Annan. pic.twitter.com/xevF6TZdOu— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) August 18, 2018
I had an opportunity of visiting the Centre of Excellence named after Mr Kofi Annan on 16.6.2016 and remain confident that it will keep shining as a symbol of India-Ghana cooperation.
— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 18, 2018
Shocked and saddened to wake up to the news of the passing of Kofi Annan, a good and gracious and graceful gentleman who devoted so much of his 80 years to trying to preserve peace in a world often violent.
— Richard N. Haass (@RichardHaass) August 18, 2018
Kofi Annan was a great champion of peace, development ,human rights and a formidable leader of the @UN. With serene calm and determination, he consistently stood up for the value and necessity of international cooperation.The best tribute we can give Kofi Annan is to do the same.
— Jan Eliasson (@JanKEliasson) August 18, 2018
Sad to hear the news of the death of Kofi Annan. As a former UN secretary-general and Nobel Peace Laureate, he dedicated his life to human rights and building bridges between nations. He will always be remembered as a great humanitarian and a tireless advocate for peace.
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) August 18, 2018
Incredibly sad day to wake up to the news that the wonderful Kofi Annan is no longer with us – he was an extraordinary individual who committed his life to guiding the world to a better place.
Rest well Sir,Ghana and Africa is proud of you.🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/9R9g7FZGGJ— André Ayew (@AyewAndre) August 18, 2018
The death of Kofi Annan is a heartbreaking loss for humanity. His tireless work to make the world a fairer, more peaceful place is an inspiration to all of us. His legacy will live on through the many lives he has touched. My thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/rq6zdyhoeH
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) August 18, 2018
Source: GlammyNews.com
