Don't seek to be like Kofi Annan but exemplify his ideals - Dorothy Gordon

As part of the 3-day state mourning of the late diplomat, Kofi Annan which began Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at the Accra International Conference Centre enabling Ghanaians to pay their last respect, former Director General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT Dorothy K. Gordon, has said that it will be very difficult to get an exact person like the late former UN Secretary General but the ideals he represented should be replicated while exhibiting the strong sense of professionalism he showcased.

Madam Gordon stated that Kofi Annan was an inspiration who embodied excellence when it came to his professional life and knowing him as a human being he was very disciplined and paid attention to his fitness, diet and overall somebody who was very systematic in life.

She went on to add that “in these times when it’s difficult to find a good role model, I think he epitomizes what a good role model is and what a good role model should be. We should study his life and learn from it.”

Adding up to the accolades, she stated that Kofi Annan was very humble, was not somebody threw his weight around, was also not obsessed with wealth and had great integrity. She said sometimes in Ghana you see people who are giving people respect because they throw some money to them instead of looking at whether or not the person has the kind of moral uprightness they want to emulate.

She said if you look at somebody like Kofi Annan, he hit the pinnacle in terms of his career and anybody who spoke to him will find an audience in him and always courteous. “In fact if you look at the way we are brought up to the home level courtesy is a very important aspect of the Ghanaian character.

Part of the preparation towards the funeral, Wednesday September 12 will see dignitaries including recognised groups, chiefs, Members of Parliament and Ministers of State, world leaders pay their last respects to the former UN boss.