The Governor visited the Ghanaian Consulate in Hamilton yesterday to sign a book of condolence for the late Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the UN.

John Rankin said: “Kofi Annan was the first black secretary-general of the United Nations, the first African secretary-general, and he was one of the most successful secretary generals there’s ever been.”

Mr Annan, who died last Saturday, aged 80, was a Ghanaian diplomat and Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.

The book of condolence at the Consulate, at 129 Front Street, is open to the public for the rest of the week.

The book is alongside a Ghanaian flag at half-mast.

Mark Darko, a Ghanaian Consulate representative, said: “When thinking about Kofi Annan, he’s left a lasting legacy.

“He’s an individual that dedicated his entire life to world peace, he’s recognised not only by Ghanaians and Africans, but by people all over the world for his extensive humanitarian efforts and his tremendous exploits and accomplishments working for the United Nations.”