We must celebrate Kofi Annan, other helpers – Ex-Liberian Ministry

A former Foreign Affairs Minister of Liberia, Ms Olubanke King-Akerele, has highlighted the need for Africa and, indeed, the globe to celebrate and remember those who help to make the world a better place.

"We must acknowledge those who helped to build our societies."

Ms King-Akerele, who is the Board Chair of the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security, who doubles as the founder of the Kofi Annan Living Memorial (KALM) in Liberia, has lauded the impact of the late United Nations (UN) Secretary-General in ending conflicts and restoring peace to her country.

She said: "There's no better way to commemorate Kofi Annan than to promote his ideals, which he held so dearly through the establishment of a similar Living Memorial by the entity that he had agreed to establish in 2006".

Like the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre (KAI PTC) in Accra, KALM in Liberia will train young Africans in conflict prevention. This, the centre believes, will create a generation that will emulate the values of Mr Annan.

Ms King-Akerele made the comments during a courtesy call on Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

The visit took place on Thursday, 10 October 2019, in Accra.

Ms King-Akerele expressed gratitude to Ms Ayorkor Botchwey for acknowledging her commitment toward the establishment of the Kofi Annan Living Memorial (KALM).

She also presented her with a copy of her book titled: "Accelerating Africa's Integration through Micro-Regionalism, A Case Study Of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique growth triangle and its impact."

KALM was formally launched on 18 March 2019 at One United Nations House, although the establishment process was initiated during the 2018 UN Day Observation in the Republic of Liberia.

It is intended to memorialise Mr Annan, through the continuation of his work of peace and service to humanity.

Ms Ayorkor Botchwey assured Ms King-Akerele of the readiness of the Ministry to work together with her in exploring ways of sustaining the initiative.

Ms Ayorkor Botchwey went on to commend the Liberian ex-Minister for taking time to author a book on accelerating Africa's integration.

She informed her about Ghana's long-standing works towards the integration of Africa.