The Late Kofi Annan
The remains of the former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and Nobel Laureate Kofi Annan is expected to arrive in Ghana on September 10, 2018 for burial.
Minister of Information-designate, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, made this known to journalists on Wednesday in Accra.
He said the Funeral Committee for the late Kofi Annan made the announcement after consultations with his family.
Mr Annan passed away on August 18, 2018 in Switzerland at the age of 80.
According to the Minister, Mr. Annan’s remains would arrive at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) at about 4pm on Monday, September 10, 2018.
The body of the deceased, according to him, would be accompanied by his widow, Nane Lagergren, children and some UN officials.
He added that body would be received at a brief ceremony to be led by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and President Akufo-Addo.
It would be transported to the Accra International Conference Center from the airport.
He said on Tuesday, September 11, this year, members of the general public would file past the body and pay their last respects at the Accra Conference Center from 10am to 4:00pm, saying “we encourage the general public to come pay their last respects to this illustrious son of Ghana.”
On Wednesday, September 12, 2018, he said, dignitaries, including chiefs, Members of Parliament and ministers of state and recognized bodies, would pay their last respects.
The time slot for each of these groups will subsequently be made available, he added.
Thursday, September 13, the Minister said, is the date for the final burial service at the Accra International Conference from 9 am.
According to him, the burial service is expected to be attended by UN officials, several heads of state, diplomatic delegations and members of the general public.
The service, he said, would be followed by a private burial at midday at the new military cemetery in Accra with full military honours and a 17-gun salute.”
“Mr. Annan’s personal testament requested for a simple, solemn final set of activities with no frails, while we wish to give him a befitting burial we will accommodate his wishes as well,” the Minister added.
By Melvin Tarlue