Kofi Annan’s family in shock over his death

The extended family of the former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan is in shock, following his death last Saturday.

Even though the late Annan was 80 years, his family said his death came to them as a shock since he did not show any sign of ill health.

The Head of the family, Nana Kofi Brewuo III, who is also Otumfuo’s Tudwene, said the family was still in shock after learning of the sudden death of the global icon of peace.

He said the late Annan was brought to Kumasi together with his twin sister Efua Atta from Cape Coast and were raised together in the family house.

Nana Brewuo explained that though the deceased was his cousin, “he became my traditional son when I inherited his father when he died.”

This reporter, who spoke to some family members when he paid a visit to the house in Kumasi last Sunday, said the atmosphere in the house was very sombre and all those he met in the house were in mourning clothes.

Funeral

Asked when the funeral will take place, Nana Brewuo said since the late diplomat was made a chief, ‘Busumuru’ by Otumfuo, the family would have to inform the Asantehene and consult him before any date could be set for the purpose.

Apart from that he explained that the former secretary general was a global icon and, therefore, the family would need to do a lot of consultations before a date for his funeral could be announced.

Cousin

Ms Irene Biney, a cousin of the deceased was in tears as she spoke to the Daily Graphic.

She said the last time the two of them spoke on phone was about two months ago and they discussed family issues and he promised to get in touch when he returned from his trip abroad.

She said when the news about his death was broken to her, she did not believe it and had to contact a few people, including Mr Annan’s elder sister and younger brother, who both confirmed the news.

“Even then, I still had my doubts because I just could not believe it.

“Yes, he was 80-years-old, but he did not look the type who would drop dead any moment so the news came as a shock to all of us,” she reiterated.

Below is a copy of a tribute to Kofi Annan, from his family

On August 18, the world lost a leader and a statesman: Kofi Atta Annan.

And we lost a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and an uncle – a man of deep conviction who was as committed to instilling the values of fairness, integrity, kindness, and service in each of us, as he was to advocating for peace and human rights around the world.

He was as present with each of us and the family as a whole, as he was with every crisis, every mission, and every intervention.

No call, email, or text went unanswered.
No personal crises unaddressed.
No major family milestones or celebrations unattended, no matter what was happening in the world.

So while we shared him with the world, we were never poorer for it.

Today, buoyed and comforted by the outpouring of love and support we have received from around the world, we are richer for having shared him with you. Stubborn optimist that he was, he would want us all to look forward with hope, and keep striving to create a freer, fairer, more peaceful world.

Daddy, may you rest in perfect peace knowing the depth of our love for you and gratitude for the tremendous role you played in each of our lives.

Atta says, “Bye bye Grandpa, enjoy heaven!”

The Annan Family