Ghanaians express shock over Kofi Annan's demise

Reports indicate that the Ghanaian diplomat died this morning in Switzerland after a short illness and tributes are already pouring in from Ghanaians from all walks of life.

Kofi Annan was the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations.

He was appointed as the Secretary-General on 13 December 1996 by the Security Council and later confirmed by the General Assembly, making him the first officeholder to be elected from the UN staff itself.

He was re-elected for a second term in 2001, and was succeeded as Secretary-General by Ban Ki-moon on 1 January 2007.

Kofi Atta Annan was born on 8 April 1938 in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

Annan and the UN were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize.

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.

He died at age 80.

Below are some reactions from social media

Oh no! So sad to hear Kofi Annan has died. A national opinion poll in August 2008 had Kenyans vote him as the most popular person for Kenyans after he brokered the peace talks that ended the Post Poll violence. May he rest in peace.

— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) August 18, 2018

RIP Kofi Annan. You have always been an inspiration to millions in Ghana and beyond.

You gave that local name “Kofi” some power in global political circles. Everyone’s HERO!!! pic.twitter.com/JypsXPBQak

— Thierry Nyann (@nyannthierry) August 18, 2018

One of Africa's Finest Diplomats;Former United Nations Secretary General Sir Kofi Annan has passed on;What a Sad day for Africa & the World!

We Kenyans particularly shall never forget your noble input that saved our Country from sliding into a Civil War in 2007#RIPKofiAnnan pic.twitter.com/wIk4LK7UKM

— Hezbon Mureithi® (@HezMureithi) August 18, 2018

Kofi Annan. ????????

A life well lived. A life worth celebrating.

RIP. pic.twitter.com/LrbOXS8erG

— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) August 18, 2018

Mr Kofi Annan. Slow in speech, quick in thought and deep in wisdom.

The man whose speech alone was enough to end wars. Never uttered a wrong word

We Ghanaians truly put respect on this man's name. This is a loss we may NEVER replace till thy kingdom come

— Saddick Adams Obama (@SaddickAdams) August 18, 2018

The former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan is dead.

Information gathered indicate that the former Ghanaian diplomat died in Switzerland on Thursday after a protracted illness.

Mr. Annan was the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations. #GHOneNews pic.twitter.com/i0jzGjHtGT

— #EndTramadolAbuse (@GHOneTV) August 18, 2018