(The former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. File Photo: Xinhua)

The President of Namibia and the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, Hage Geingob has learned with immense sadness of the death of former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan on Saturday.

The president in a statement said the loss of Annan, an exemplary son of Ghana, leaves a huge void for the African continent, and humanity at large, which he has served as a courageous humanitarian with immeasurable passion and distinction.

"Without doubt, Africa has lost a man of integrity and a hero of our continent who worked throughout his entire life persistently for a better humanity," he added.

President Geingob in the statement praised the work of the late Kofi Annan in the promotion of peace, as the first Secretary General of the UN to emerge from within the ranks of the organization.

Geingob also extended his condolences to the wife of Kofi Annan, Nane Maria Anna and his children and the people of Ghana.