Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan has expressed gratitude to Ghana President John Evans Atta Mills and the Confederation of African Football for their 'kind gesture' in the wake of the death of his mother. Annan's mum, Madam Sophia Sampson passed away in a hospital in Cape Coast, Ghana, after falling sick earlier in the day. The Holland-based player who is part of the Black Stars at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations is also grateful to his team-mates and Ghanaians for their support in his 'trying times'. President Mills sent a special message to the midfielder on Saturday to console him on behalf of the people of Ghana following the death of his mother during the tournament. CAF also sent a letter of condolence to the player and approved the wearing of black armbands by the Black Stars during Sunday's quarter final clash between Ghana and Tunisia. A minute silence was also approved by CAF before the game started which prompted Annan to thank the authorities for giving him support while he is grieving. "I want to thank President Mills, the people of Ghana, CAF and crucially my team-mates who have made me feel very special in this trying time," Annan said. "The gesture they have shown me at a time that I have lost someone dearest to me means a lot to me and my family and I will never forget. "My mum will surely be somewhere praying for all of you. I thank you once again."