Mortal remains of Kofi Annan from Geneva to Accra

A United Nations (UN) plane carrying the mortal remains of the former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Busumuru Kofi Annan set off from Geneva, Switzerland to Accra.

The casket draped in a UN flag is accompanied by his widow Nane Maria Annan, his children and some executives of the United Nations.

The body of the global icon will be received at a brief ceremony to be led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Kotoka International Airport.

Kofi Annan was reported to have fallen ill on his return trip from South Africa after he had attended the centenary celebration of the birth of a former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

Kofi Annan was hospitalised in Geneva and later airlifted to the Swiss capital, Bern, where he died peacefully.

According to the Funeral Planning Committee, the general public will on Tuesday, 11 September have the opportunity between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to file past the body to pay their last respect to the statesman.

On Wednesday, 12 September, dignitaries including recognised groups, chiefs, Members of Parliament and Ministers of State will have their turn to pay their last respect to the former UN boss.

A burial service will be held on Thursday, September 13 at the Accra International Conference Centre followed by a private burial at the new military cemetery with full military honours and a 17-gun salute.