Former UN chief Kofi Annan dies at the age of 80 (Getty)

Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo declared a week of mourning for Annan who he said is an exceptional diplomat and brought considerable renown to Ghana. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday paid tribute to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, saying he was an “outstanding diplomat, outstanding leader and a role model for many people” in Africa. British Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr Annan reformed the UN and made a "huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into". Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Twitter that Annan was a good friend, a great diplomat, a true statesman and a wonderful colleague.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolence to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres which said Mr Annan helped build the UN's peacekeeping capacity and resolving a number of regional conflicts. It added that Kofi Annan will forever stay in Russian people’s hearts. Mr Guterres said Kofi Annan was a guiding force for good.