The Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation have released a statement confirming the death of Kofi Annan, former Secretary General for the United Nations (UN) and Noble Peace Laureate.
In the statement, it is revealed that his wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last daysâ€, the statement said.
The family expressed their immense sadness at his passing, saying “he will be greatly missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and his former colleagues in the United Nations system. He will remain in our hearts forever.â€
Read: Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General, is dead
The global statesman, aged 80, passed away on Saturday, 18th of August after a short illness in Switzerland.
He is described as “having been a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world.â€
“He was particularly committed to African development and deeply engaged in many initiatives, including his chairmanship of the Africa Progress Panel and his early Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
It continued: “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.â€
Read: What world leaders are saying about Ghana’s Kofi Annan
The Nobel Peace Prize winner was born in Kumasi, Ghana in 1938 and served as the 7th UN Secretary-General, from 1997 to 2006. He was the first black African to become UN secretary-general.
His diplomatic career led him through the ranks to lead and reform various organisations into attaining global sustainable development, security and peace.
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… pic.twitter.com/42nGOxmcPZ
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) August 18, 2018
Source:Â theindependentghana.com
