A Former Director of the Africa Executive Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ambassador Patrick Hayford, believes that the contribution of former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan to world peace and development, puts him in the league of renowned leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Speaking on Citi TV’s Point of View programme on Monday, he said the late Kofi Annan’s works had a lot of influence on the local and international scene.
[contextly_sidebar id=”zn9YjLL7eeAz4K4CqZVBypm3FOyBBYkT”]The news of the death of 80-year-old Kofi Annan on Saturday has elicited a lot of glowing tributes from world leaders and celebrities all over the world.
Ambassador Hayford, who spent many years working directly with Kofi Annan said Ghana has lost an icon whose work greatly boosted the image of the country.
While acknowledging other Ghanaians whose work especially within the circles of the United Nations (UN) helps to create a good impression of Ghana in the world, he said Kofi Annan’s work was exceptional.
“I’ll put him right at the top with the Mandelas and the Nkrumahs without hesitation.”
Security and International Relations analyst, Dr. Kwesi Aning, who was also speaking on the programme called for a benefiting commemoration for the late Annan for his contribution towards world peace and stability.
“How did this man conquer the world and how can we bring some of those values into the way we do politics here….As we talk and celebrate him, we need to also talk about his legacy. This is a country that hardly ever honours its people. The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is an eyesore. Asomdwee park, that is where the former President is buried; a den for wee smokers, a place where refuse is thrown. One of Africa’s greatest scholars, Dr. Busia we don’t celebrate him, nobody knows him.”
The Government of Ghana directed that country’s flags should be flown in Ghana and in all the country’s missions at half-mast for a week beginning today, Monday, August 20, 2018.
Give us privacy to mourn Kofi Annan – Family
The family of late Kofi Annan had earlier asked for privacy to mourn their beloved.
“The family kindly requests privacy at this time of mourning,” a statement from his foundation stated.
About Kofi Annan
The 80-year old Ghanaian diplomat served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006.
Annan and the UN were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize.
He was awarded the Peace Prize for having revitalized the UN and for having given priority to human rights.
The Nobel Committee also recognized his commitment to the struggle of containing the spread of HIV in Africa and his declared opposition to international terrorism.
He is the founder and Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as chairman of The Elders, an international organization founded by Nelson Mandela.
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By: Jonas Nyabor/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
