The Ghana United Nations Students and Youth Association (GUNSA) has joined Ghanaians to mourn Ghana’s highly revered statesman, Kofi Annan who died Saturday morning.
In a press statement, the Association described the former United Nations Secretary as a selfless man who worked for the world and its humans.
READ: Give us privacy to mourn – Kofi Annan’s family
The Ghanaian died at a hospital in Switzerland, Saturday morning after a short illness, Joy News can confirm. He was 80.
Below is the full statement
GUNSA STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF FORMER UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL, KOFI ANNAN ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018.
The Ghana United Nations Students and Youth Association (GUNSA) is deeply saddened by the unexpected death of the iconic former Ghanaian Secretary-General for the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan in the early hours of today in Switzerland.
As an association of youth and students passionate about the workings of the United Nations and its impact on global development, we keenly followed the respectful, affable and uniquely diplomatic posture and attitude of Mr Annan which he became known with, throughout his years with the world body where his carrier span over three decades, culminating in he serving as Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006.
Deeply minded by obstacles to peace, security and development around the world, Mr Annan worked tirelessly, both as serving UN Chief Diplomat and as Former Secretary-General to broker peace accords, instil good governance, foster consensus on climate change and improved environment, upheld human rights and dignity, influenced proper agricultural practices, and inspired the youth to be responsible.
We also fondly recall the radical reforms he led upon assumption of office at the United Nations which ensured that the world body became more development prone and positioned the UN as more responsive to the modern challenges of the world. Significantly, Mr Annan’s sweeping reforms, the most extensive and far-reaching since 1945, shifted resources out of administration to development, mobilised new resources for development financing, and strengthened UN operations in the field.
He was selfless and worked for the world and its humans.
Ghanaian youth and students have lost a genuine role model and noble inspirer, indeed, a proud Nobel Peace Prize Winner in 2001.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Emmanuel J.K Arthur
(General Secretary)
