Ghana is ready for the three-day State Funeral of its illustrious son, Busumuru Kofi Annan, a former UN Boss.
President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo was at the Kotoka International Airport today to receive the body for a State Funeral, which would begin on Tuesday, September 11 and end with a private burial on Thursday, September 13.
Mrs. Nane Maria Annan, his wife and children: Ama Annan, Kojo Annan and Nina Cronstedt De Groot, accompanied the casket carrying his body.
There was be a brief ceremony of military honours, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister-nominee, reiterated at a media briefing earlier today that the public will have the opportunity to pay their last respect on Tuesday between 1000 hours and 1600hours.
The following day, Members of Parliament (MPs), Chiefs, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of State, among other dignitaries would be allowed to file past the body and finally given interment at the New Military Cemetery, on September 13.
A former Secretary to Cabinet and Chair of the Funeral Planning Committee, Ambassador Annan A. Cato, at a memorial service held for Kofi Annan by the University of Ghana, said “a very decent but subdued funeral and burial, would be accorded him in line with his wishes”.
There were portraits of International icon at vantage points within the city of the Greater Accra.
The frontage Accra International Conference Center, where he will be laid in state, has been decorated with his portraits at strategic places.
The mourning colours of red and black, in fabrics, have also been used to decorate the corridor of the Conference Centre, with some black stars engraved on gravels to signify his recognition as a national star.
The National colours of Red, Gold and Green with a black star also adorn the inner chamber of the centre, indicating the nation’s pride in his achievements.
Busumuru Kofi Annan died at 80 years in Bern, Switzerland, after a short illness on Saturday, August 18, 2018.
