
The family of Kofi Annan continues to be inundated with tributes from across the world barely 24 hours after the renowned diplomat died.
The outpour of sympathy for the former UN Secretary-General definitely symbolises his sterling role in the fight for global peace.
His family and his foundation, Kofi Annan Foundation, said he died peacefully on Saturday after a short illness.
The world greeted the news with an outpour of sympathy to the man who headed the United Nations between 1997 and 2006.
READ: What world leaders are saying about Ghana’s Kofi Annan
But the tributes continued to pour in a day after his death was announced.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was “saddened to hear of the passing of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and express my condolences to the Annan family and to the people of his home country of Ghana”.
“Mr Annan spent his life advocating for peace and human dignity during his long career at the United Nations,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
He noted that even after leaving his post as UN SG, the Ghanaian diplomat sowed seeds of peace as Chair of the Elders, an independent group of global leaders committed to advancing the cause of peace and promoting human rights around the world.
“I join the international community in remembering his remarkable service to the world.”
Aliko Dangote, arguably Africa’s richest man, said “humanity has lost a great champion of peace”.
He said Mr Annan was an “invaluable proponent of world peace, justice and equality”.
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Kofi Annan. An invaluable proponent of world peace, justice, and equality. Humanity has lost a great champion of peace.
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) August 18, 2018
AU Deputy Commissioner Kwesi Quartey said Mr Annan served with “distinction”.
Deeply saddened by news of the death of Kofi Annan. An outstanding man whose service to Africa, in his various capacities, will live on as his legacy. He served with distinction & was a true son of Africa.
My sincere condolences to his family & friends.May his soul Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/4gDPx1Gfxm
— Kwesi Quartey (@AmbKwesiQuartey) August 18, 2018
CNN news anchor Christiane Amanpour considers him as one of the best UN Secretary-Generals ever.
Kofi Annan, one of the best UNSGs ever. And a good and decent man. RIP.
— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) August 18, 2018
Ghana will begin a one-week nationwide mourning with flags to fly at half-mast on Monday.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana