Let’s celebrate, honour Kofi Annan – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

Minister for Information designate, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has called on Ghanaians to emulate, celebrate and honour the life lived by the late Ghanaian diplomat, Dr Kofi Annan.

The minister in an interview on Starr FM said, “The big thing on all of our minds is to celebrate his exemplary service, to emulate the values he stood for and to explore ways by which we can honour him for his service.”

“We are to spend some time drawing out lessons of his life and service, drawing out the values that he stood for – his humility, forthrightness, firmness and genuineness. For the many years that he lived and worked on the global scene, he never departed from his “Ghanaianess”. These are values that we have to find ways of reminding ourselves and educate the younger generations of so that many more people will live lives worthy of emulation like he has done. For many who are here today, it’s a time to help remind all of us of the values that he stood for, so that we can emulate those values and do our work with the kind of diligence and respect for all as he did on the global landscape” he added.

Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah cited Dr Kofi Annan’s presence on the global stage as his significant legacy. He applauded his excellence and decorum displayed in his career, like working to reform the United Nations, working to improve governance and democracy in Africa, working to stimulate peace and investing in young people.

The minister admitted that the death of the former UN Secretary-General, Dr Kofi Annan came as a shock to government, as the nation has lost a prominent and resourceful citizen.

The minister-designate revealed that government will on Wednesday, 22nd August 2018, open a book of condolence for the late Ghanaian diplomat, Dr Kofi Annan. The book of condolence will be opened at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) and in Ghana’s missions abroad.

The book of condolence will see heads of states, world leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, ministers, state officials, media, relatives, loved ones and the general public record their condolences for the former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr.Kofi Annan.

Dr Kofi Annan passed on to glory at age 80 on Saturday 18th August 2018, in Switzerland after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Nane Maria and three children, Ama, Kojo and Nina.

Before his death, Dr Kofi Annan was a charismatic global diplomat and the first black African to become United Nations secretary general who led the world body through one of its most turbulent periods. He was the founder and chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation as well as chairman of The Elders - an international organization founded by Nelson Mandela.