Asantehence Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has paid glowing tribute to the late former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Busumuru Annan, describing him as a person who was a ready source of inspiration to many people.
Otumfuo said he conferred the name Busumuru on Kofi Annan in 2012 because the international diplomat was an embodiment of peace.
“…Because of his monumental achievement as an international civil servant, Busumuru became a ready source of inspiration, and an unwavering advocate of peace and security, development, human rights and rule law.”
“A consummate mediator, Busumuru touched many lives with his graciousness, charisma and commitment to the pursuit of worthy courses crying for global attention,” he stated in a speech read on his behalf by Mampong Omanhene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu on Wednesday.
Otumfuo in the speech said he was really proud of Kofi Annan when he won the noble peace prize in 2001 together with the UN.
“I recalled vividly, my pride, on hearing that Kofi Annan and the United Nations have been awarded the 2001 noble peace prize as co-recipients,” he added.
Daasebre Bonsu represented Otumfuo at a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre for traditional leaders from Kofi Annan’s patrilineal and matrilineal families to pay their last respects to the late diplomat.
Kofi Annan died on August 18, 2018 in Switzerland at the age of 80, after a short illness, and will be buried at the Military Cemetery on Thursday, September 13, 2018, after a state funeral service.
People from all walks of life have been trooping to the AICC since Tuesday to view the remains of Kofi Annan which was brought into the country from Geneva on Monday.
Today, Wednesday has been set aside for dignitaries including government officials, judiciary, Members of Parliament, Ministers, Chiefs among others to also pay their last respects.
Most of the dignitaries that went to the AICC recounted fond memories of Kofi Annan.
Former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Emile Short who was also at the venue admonished African Leaders to emulate the exceptional leadership skills of Kofi Annan.
“He demonstrated exceptional skills in peacekeeping. At one stage he was in charge of peacekeeping operations and he discharged that function with excellence. He also demonstrated leadership which African leaders should emulate,” Mr. Short said in a Citi News interview.
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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citinewsroom.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin
