Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama has paid a glowing tribute to the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, describing him as an exemplary nation-builder whose patriotism and distinguished public service strengthened Ghana’s standing in the international community.
The tribute was delivered during the veteran diplomat’s state funeral at the forecourt of the State House in Accra. The solemn ceremony brought together members of his family, senior government officials, traditional leaders, representatives of the diplomatic corps and members of the public.
In a message delivered on his behalf by presidential adviser Joyce Bawah Mogtari, President Mahama reflected on Ambassador Gbeho’s long career and his commitment to Ghana.
The President said the late diplomat regarded international representation not simply as a professional responsibility but as a “sacred trust” from the beginning of his career in the diplomatic service.
Mahama also recalled serving with Gbeho in Parliament, describing him as a principled and thoughtful public servant who remained firm in his beliefs while treating others with respect.
“He was thoughtful without being hesitant, firm without being confrontational, and humble without ever compromising the strength of his convictions,” the President said.
According to Mahama, Ambassador Gbeho’s legacy will endure through the national institutions he helped to strengthen, the younger diplomats and public servants he mentored, and the positive global image he built for Ghana throughout his career.
The President said Gbeho represented a generation of public servants who placed national interest above personal ambition and approached leadership with discipline, humility and integrity.
Ambassador James Victor Gbeho died on June 13, 2026, at the age of 91, bringing to an end a distinguished public service career that spanned more than six decades.
Born in Keta in the Volta Region, he rose through the ranks of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and occupied several senior positions, including Chief Director and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
He later served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2001. After his diplomatic career, he represented the people of the Anlo Constituency in Parliament between 2001 and 2005.
His international service included diplomatic assignments in China, Germany, India, Nigeria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. He also served as Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where he contributed to global diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
Beyond representing Ghana abroad, Ambassador Gbeho held several prominent international positions. He served as the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to Somalia and was later appointed President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Throughout his career, he played an important role in advancing regional integration, peace and security while promoting Ghana’s diplomatic interests.
Mourners at the funeral remembered him as a statesman, mentor and accomplished diplomat whose service extended far beyond Ghana’s borders.
President Mahama extended his condolences to the bereaved family and encouraged them to take comfort in the lasting contribution Ambassador Gbeho made to Ghana, West Africa and the wider international community.
Source: Omanghana
