Ghana will be known as the final resting place of Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan’s Funeral Ceremony in Ghana

Catherine Afeku, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture of Ghana, said that Kofi Annan will be honoured forever. She was speaking to the media persons at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), where the seventh UN Chief has been laid-in-state.

“Annan was an excellent diplomat and an honourable person who will forever remain in history,” she said. Though his demise is a great loss for the whole world, Ghana will be benefited from his demise, as it will be known as the final resting place of the world renowned diplomat.

“He has made his name. People will come to Ghana to look at his tomb. These are the things that will enhance and boost the travel and tourism sector,” she said.

Catherine Afeku, Tourism Minister

“He was a true African. His behaviour meant he was a consummate diplomat. We have lost an illustrious son. He was an honourable person and it will remain history that we buried an memorable son on the continent,” she added.

Earlier, thousands of mourners gathered in the Accra International Conference Center to pay their last respects during an emotional funeral service on Thursday.

Annan’s widow, Nane Maria Annan was visibly moved as solo singer Alice Twum gave a rendition of the hymn “It Is Well.”

During her tribute, the widow told the congregation “Kofi always believed that his inner strength and sense of hope came from his deep roots here and I want to thank Ghana for giving me such an extraordinary human being”

“My love, you are now back home where you started your long journey. But may your wisdom and compassion continue to guide us, wherever we are,” she added.

Annan died on 18 August in Switzerland at the age of 80.