Kofi Annan is dead at 80
- Former UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, is dead
- The diplomat is reported to have died in Switzerland after a short illness
YEN.com.gh has learned that the former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, is dead. The statesman died in Switzerland after a short illness.
He reportedly took ill after while on a trip to South Africa. He was 80.
The news has been confirmed by his family, YEN.com.gh understands.
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Kofi Annan is respected across the world as the force of peace and reconciliation. Kofi Atta Annan was a Ghanaian diplomat who 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.
Statement from family:
Meanwhile, family of Kofi Annan has issued a statement confirming his death. The family stated that Kofi Annan "passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness. His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days."
"The family kindly requests privacy at this time of mourning. Arrangements to celebrate his remarkable life will be announced later," the statement noted.
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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.
Soon after taking office in 1997, Annan released two reports on management reform. On 17 March 1997, the report Management and Organisational Measures introduced new management mechanisms through the establishment of a cabinet-style body to assist him and be grouping the UN's activities in accordance with four core missions.
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A comprehensive reform agenda was issued on 14 July 1997 entitled Renewing the United Nations: A Programme for Reform (A/51/950).
On his Twitter handle, the news of his death was also confirmed as family and friends took over hos posts and social media engagements.
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Key proposals included the introduction of strategic management to strengthen unity of purpose, the establishment of the position of Deputy Secretary-General, a 10-percent reduction in posts, a reduction in administrative costs, the consolidation of the UN at the country level, and reaching out to civil society and the private sector as partners.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
