Body of former UN secretary-general returned to Ghana

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The body of Kofi Annan was returned to his native Ghana on Monday in a solemn ceremony marking the start of official mourning for the former UN secretary-general.

Annan's wife Nane Maria Annan, his children and senior officials from the world body accompanied the casket, which was draped in the blue UN flag, as it arrived from Geneva.

The career diplomat and Nobel peace laureate – the first UN leader from sub-Saharan Africa – died on August 18 after a short illness at the age of 80.

Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has praised Annan as "one of the most illustrious people of this generation," was among the dignitaries at the arrival ceremony.

Honor guards stand next to a flag-draped casket of the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan ahead of a state funeral at the Jubilee Airport in Accra, Ghana, September 10, 2018. /VCG Photo

Others included traditional leaders, senior members of the clergy, the hierarchy of the Ghana armed forces and politicians.

His coffin was borne by six Ghanaian soldiers and the Last Post played. The UN standard was then removed and replaced with the red, yellow and green flag of Ghana.

"Our son" Annan, who lived in Switzerland near the UN European headquarters in Geneva, was now "at home," those attending were told.

The public will get the chance to pay its respects from Tuesday while scores of world leaders past and present, as well as royalty, are expected at Thursday's state funeral.

A private burial service will then be held in Accra's military cemetery.

(Cover: Ghanaian soldiers carry the coffin of Kofi Annan on the tarmac of Kotoka International Airport in Accra, September 10, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP