Ghana begins three-day funeral rites for Kofi Annan

The three-day state funeral and burial rites for former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan begins in Accra today, September 11, 2018 at the Accra International Conference Centre where hundreds of Ghanaians are expected to file past his body to pay their last respect.

At exactly 10:00am today, the gates to the conference centre will be opened for the general public to view his body.

Mr. Annan who served two terms as the UN chief died Saturday August 18, 2018 in a hospital at Bern, Switzerland, after a short illness.

The casket carrying his body arrived at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra from Switzerland Monday, September 10 accompanied by his wife, children, grandchildren and some UN officials aboard a chartered flight.

A short military ceremony attended by President Nana Akufo-Addo and some government officials, was held at the KIA to receive the body, after which they were forwarded.Dignitaries including recognised groups, chiefs Members of Parliament and Ministers of State will have their turn to pay their last respect to the illustrious international diplomat on Wednesday.

Akufo-Addo decrees state burial for Kofi Annan in Accra; wants it on Sept. 13 A solemn burial service will be held on Thursday, September 13 at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Several Heads of State, UN officials and diplomatic delegations will join the family for the burial service.

Prior to his death, the International diplomat requested for a simple, private burial service without frills.

“Mr. Annan’s personal testament requested for a simple, solemn final set of activities without frills and the state, while it wishes to give him a befitting burial, will accommodate his wishes as well,” Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said two weeks ago.

On Thursday, the main route to the ridge roundabout to the Stadium roundabout will be closed will be closed to the public.