ACCRA, Aug.18 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo expressed great sorrow here Saturday at news of the death of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

"The Government and people of Ghana, First Lady Rebecca and I are deeply saddened by the news of the death, in Berne, Switzerland, of one of our greatest compatriots, Kofi Annan," a statement signed by the president said.

Akufo-Addo eulogized Annan as a consummate international diplomat who was highly respected for his work.

"He brought considerable renown to our country by this position and through his conduct and comportment in the global arena," the president added.

Akufo-Addo described Annan as an ardent believer in the capacity of the Ghanaian to chart his or her own course onto the path of progress and prosperity.

"Undoubtedly, he excelled in the various undertakings of his life, leaving in his trail most pleasant memories. His was a life well-lived," he said.

"I extend, on behalf of the entire Ghanaian nation, our sincere, heartfelt condolences to his beloved widow, Nane Maria, and to his devoted children, Ama, Kojo and Nina, on this great loss," said the president.

The Ghanaian president further directed that the national flag be made to fly at half-mast across the country and in all of its diplomatic missions across the world, for a week starting from Monday in honor of the former international statesman.

A statement from the Kofi Annan Foundation said the former UN chief passed away early Saturday in Switzerland after a short illness.