Books For Africa Ships Kofi Annan's Personal Library from Geneva to Ghana

Books For Africa enjoyed a long and supportive relationship with late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who served as founding Honorary Co-Chair of our Law & Democracy Initiative. In 2018, Secretary-General Annan attended and delivered the keynote address at a reception celebrating BFA’s 30th anniversary. He also worked to promote the Law & Democracy Initiative, penning an op-ed piece in 2011 together with late former Vice President Walter Mondale.

Annan’s widow, Nane Annan, has also been supportive of BFA’s work over the years. She and Annan’s children recently worked with Books For Africa to arrange for books from Secretary-General Annan’s personal library to be shipped from their residence in Geneva to Annan’s native Ghana. The books will go to Mfantsipim School, which Annan himself attended, to fill the bookcases in a multipurpose library. Nane and Koji Annan attended the building’s inauguration and dedication in 2019.

This donation of books commemorates Annan’s strong belief in the power of education. Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Jessie Okie (Ghana, 1970-1972) was also instrumental in funding this project. Books For Africa is honored to commemorate Secretary-General Annan’s legacy by helping transport his books to Ghana in support of expanding access to education on the continent.