Nane Maria, wife of former United Nations chief, Kofi Annan has revealed final moments of how her husband left the ghost.

Nane disclosed her husband, who was the 7th UN General Secretary died in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday August 18.

The late diplomat's widow, Nane Maria, told Ghana's president, Nana Akufo-Addo, in a telephone communication.

The Kofi Annan Foundation confirmed this in a statement issued on Facebook, adding that Kofi Annan's children, Ama, Kojo and Nina, were by his side during his last days.

"It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness", the statement said.

The foundation called for privacy for Kofi Annan's family as they mourn and make preparations for his funeral.

The former UN secretary-general's death has stunned and saddened Ghanaians, with many people taking to social media to mourn him.

President Akufo-Addo said he was deeply saddened by the death and extended his condolences to the late diplomat's family.

The former president, John Mahama, described Kofi Annan as "a proud son of Ghana and Africa". "He lived and worked for global peace, security and sustainable development in very challenging times," he wrote on Facebook.

Per Mr Akufo-Addo's directive, Ghana flags are currently flying at half-mast for a week in honour of the late son of the land.

Kofi Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. He was the first black African to lead the UN.

A global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist, he fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world.

During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.

After stepping down from the United Nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the cause of peace through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration to young and old alike.

Source: Ghanaguardian.com