President John Dramani Mahama, alongside Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, led Ghanaians in bidding farewell to Mr. James Victor Gbeho on Friday. The state funeral for the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and career diplomat took place at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra. Mr. Gbeho passed away at the age of 91 on June 13, 2026.
The ceremony drew prominent figures, including former Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba, Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, and representatives from ECOWAS and the United Nations. President Mahama, in a tribute read by his Presidential Advisor Mrs. Joyce Bawa Mogtari, described Mr. Gbeho as a rare nation-builder. He emphasized Gbeho's dedication to service, stating that "he did not seek greatness. He sought only to serve, and greatness found him because he served with honour."
Mr. Gbeho's legacy is deeply intertwined with Ghana's diplomatic history and its standing in the international community. His father, Philip Gbeho, arranged Ghana’s national anthem, instilling in James Victor Gbeho a profound sense of national duty. This commitment was evident throughout his career, which spanned over five decades in Ghana's Foreign Service. His tenure as Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1980 to 1990 remains one of the longest and most distinguished diplomatic postings in the nation's history.
President Mahama highlighted Gbeho's ability to project Ghana’s voice with dignity and principle during a period of significant global change. He earned respect from colleagues worldwide by focusing on building understanding and advancing peace. This outstanding service led to greater responsibilities, including his role as Minister for Foreign Affairs under President Jerry John Rawlings from 1997 to 2001. In this capacity, he helped shape Ghana’s engagement with a changing world and solidified the country’s reputation as a respected international actor.
Beyond national borders, Mr. Gbeho's service extended to regional and international peace-building efforts. He served as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia and as ECOWAS Special Representative for Liberia. Later, he became President of the ECOWAS Commission, dedicating himself to regional integration. Even after leaving elective politics, Ghana continued to benefit from his wisdom. He served as Foreign Policy Advisor to President John Evans Atta Mills, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the republic.
President Mahama concluded by stating that nations are remembered not just for wealth or power, but for the character of those who serve them. He affirmed that James Victor Gbeho gave Ghana that character before the world. Though his voice is now silent, the respect he earned for Ghana will continue to resonate, inspiring future generations of diplomats and public servants. The state funeral underscored the nation's profound gratitude for a life richly lived and a career faithfully dedicated to Ghana.