Today, October 13, 2018, Ghana, Africa and the world bid farewell to the 7th United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Thanks to social media and his active presence on Twitter, we get the opportunity to remind ourselves of everything he stood for and believed in whiles alive.
Kofi Annan was an advocate for peace, equality and a world free of hate and racism and these tweets help us relive these moments.
Kofi Annan tweeted about his concern on education
If the current shortfall is not met soon, @UNRWA may be unable to provide schooling for half a million children in the coming school year, and be obliged to reduce other key humanitarian services. @TheElders and I appeal to the US to recommit funding. https://t.co/RHCPMuCzDS
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) June 8, 2018
On his concerns about creating opportunities out of the digital age…
The challenge for all of us is to harness the opportunities of the digital age while mitigating the risks…@KofiAnnanFdn will soon launch such a global commission to address these issues. Read my latest interview with the @washingtonpost to learn more: https://t.co/px3bRDIJ4v
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) May 11, 2018
Celebrated his birthday in grand style…
Happy #Birthday @KofiAnnan! #Bono #MIFMaroc #surprise pic.twitter.com/BzaSuZHu6a
— Mo Ibrahim Fdn (@Mo_IbrahimFdn) April 8, 2017
…and used it as an opportunity to speak on issues that he was concerned about.
‘I hope the Europeans and the Iranians will stick together and let the US decide to isolate itself’ – @KofiAnnan warns of the consequences if the US pulls out of the Iranian nuclear deal next month pic.twitter.com/HlKtER7jnQ
— BBC HARDtalk (@BBCHARDtalk) April 18, 2018
Had an interest in the youth…
Allow me to thank all those who’ve wished me a happy 80th birthday – especially the young people, whose passion and optimism should serve as an example to my generation. You are never too young to lead nor too old to learn, so I look forward to continuing to learn from you all! pic.twitter.com/sm3bXeRDIb
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) April 10, 2018
was all for youth empowerment…
Always a pleasure to meet with the next generation of #ChangeMakers pic.twitter.com/BO56gbolNz
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) January 30, 2018
…and continued to remind the youth about their responsibilities.
On #WorldYouthSkills day, I echo the message Mohamed Amersi and I delivered to @PrincesTrust ILP: I encourage young people to get engaged! pic.twitter.com/9JoUWaqnwp
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) July 15, 2017
He was also very keen on the issue of politics.
“What we need are #elections with integrity…elections that confer legitimacy.” pic.twitter.com/AsSTsZjhwB
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) February 16, 2018
And he was not afraid to speak his mind.
I deeply regret today’s decision by the US President breaking with international consensus on #Jerusalem. I hope Palestinians and regional Arab powers will react with restraint, and US allies will do all they can to realign policy with international norms. https://t.co/26no8KzMw8 pic.twitter.com/JqaslyZykt
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) December 6, 2017
Was always particular about African elections.
I applaud the people of Kenya for their commitment to democracy during the recent elections. Read my full statement: https://t.co/KoaNFG7lId
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) August 12, 2017
He reconnected with Ghanaians in the diaspora…
I was delighted to join the people of #Hull & Ghanaian expat community to deliver the #WilberforceLecture during the 2017 #FreedomFestival pic.twitter.com/Mwb6MoRurJ
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) September 5, 2017
…and never forgot his roots.
Happy Independence Day to Ghana and all of her people.#Ghana60YearsOn pic.twitter.com/gRCyks9seq
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) March 6, 2017
Wasn’t shy to try new things even if it meant in front of many people.
#TBT to a 2000 UN visit to #NewZealand: Mr Annan greets a Maori warrior w/ the pressing of noses (Hongi), which signifies the breath of life pic.twitter.com/iP5t29YVZC
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) June 29, 2017
Reminded leaders of their responsibility continuously.
We need leaders to commit to sharing the burden so the world can manage refugees with dignity https://t.co/hAHHl2S7LJ #WorldRefugeeDay pic.twitter.com/9bXhHarJBO
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) June 20, 2017
We can’t forget his interest in reading and literacy either.
#Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life…it opens a way for democratic participation and active #citizenship. #WorldBookDay pic.twitter.com/gbKzxldsoX
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) April 23, 2017
…and his passion for seeing a peaceful Africa and world.
9yrs ago today during the crisis in Kenya, Mwai Kibaki & Raila Odinga signed the Nat’l Accord & Reconciliation Act…https://t.co/9931nsCdJk pic.twitter.com/193KT3ept1
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) February 28, 2017
Went everywhere with his wife.
#TBT to 2002 – Mr and Mrs Annan are greeted by Tajik girls in their national dress on a visit to #Dashanbe pic.twitter.com/2Qo4KaReSU
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) February 16, 2017
…and supported her as well.
#TBT to 2006: Nane Annan addresses a women’s workshop on development, as then-UNSG Kofi Annan and the President and First Lady of Madagascar listen. Happy #IDW2018! pic.twitter.com/leta2DJnqR
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) March 8, 2018
Was all for women’s empowerment.
I warmly congratulate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for having been awarded the Mo Ibrahim Prize and commend the award committee for its excellent choice. While many challenges remain, #Liberia is a better place today than it was 12 years ago when Johnson Sirleaf took office. #MIFPrize https://t.co/BvBcaTdrKO
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) February 13, 2018
…and empowered Ghanaians to vote.
I call on all the people of Ghana to refuse to be provoked, to reject violence, and to vote today https://t.co/2dMgKMsbO6 #GhanaElections pic.twitter.com/mGirZzlrWO
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) December 7, 2016
…and gave respect when due.
I congratulate our new president-elect wholeheartedly and I commend President Mahama for graciously conceding defeat https://t.co/RWDe2ZuaEq pic.twitter.com/Lam0BKxCoI
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) December 9, 2016
Loved music.
#TBT to 1998 when then-Secretary-General Kofi Annan tried his hand at playing the trumpet after a quick lesson from musician Wynton Marsalis pic.twitter.com/GCpNaFeUrV
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) November 24, 2016
…culture…
#TBT to 2004 during an official visit to #Kazakhstan pic.twitter.com/W6eVkXpMTg
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) August 18, 2016
…TV shows…
#TBT to 2001 when Kofi Annan appeared on @SesameStreet to encourage #cooperation and #teamwork pic.twitter.com/198sZZLalQ
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) August 4, 2016
…sports…
Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/gTVPq7xQsy
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) June 10, 2016
…and had a special place in his heart for children.
Young talented Africans are the leaders of tomorrow. KA #Ghana @right2dream pic.twitter.com/7dEOMLyKYc
— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) January 15, 2016
