Accra, August 18 (RHC)--Former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Prize Laureate Kofi Annan has died at the age of 80, his family said Saturday.

Annan passed away after a short illness, with his wife and three children by his side.

"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," his family said.

His family described him as "a global statesman" who fought for fairness and peace throughout his life, as well as "a son of Ghana" who felt a "special responsibility" to Africa.

"He will be greatly missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and his many former colleagues in the United Nations system," the statement said.

The current UN chief, Antonio Guterres hailed him as “a guiding force for good” and a “proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.”

“Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone,” Mr. Guterres said in a statement.

“He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world.  In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all us.”

Kofi Annan was born in Kamasi, Ghana, on 8 April 1938.