Mahama Mourns Gbeho

The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late diplomat James Victor Gbeho, describing him as a towering figure in Ghana’s diplomatic history and a true statesman. He made the remarks after receiving the diplomat’s family at the Presidency to formally confirm his passing.

President Mahama received the family at his office on June 22 and June 23, 2026, where they officially informed him of the death of the former Minister for Foreign Affairs and ECOWAS leader. The visit, in line with cultural and diplomatic protocol, took place before any public announcement of the death.

In a heartfelt tribute shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the President reflected on the long and distinguished service of Ambassador Gbeho to Ghana, the West African sub-region, and the international community.

He wrote:

“I had the solemn duty of receiving the family of the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho at my office, as they officially informed me of his passing. Ambassador Gbeho was a giant of our time, an outstanding diplomat, a dedicated Minister for Foreign Affairs, a colleague in Parliament, and a respected ECOWAS Commission President.

His contributions to Ghana’s foreign policy and his tireless work toward the integration of the West African sub-region will never be forgotten. Ghana has lost a true statesman whose wisdom and experience were invaluable.

As we wait for the family to announce the funeral details, let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

President Mahama further described Gbeho as a key architect of Ghana’s foreign policy, whose work helped strengthen regional cooperation and integration across West Africa.

According to the late diplomat’s family, the visit was necessary to ensure that the Head of State was formally informed before any public disclosure.

James Victor Gbeho was widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential diplomats, with a career spanning decades of service at both national and international levels.

He served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2001 under former President Jerry John Rawlings and also represented the Anlo constituency as a Member of Parliament. In Parliament, he contributed to national debate and governance while maintaining a strong focus on foreign affairs and diplomacy.

At the international level, he served at the United Nations in New York, where he represented Ghana in key diplomatic engagements. His work in multilateral diplomacy earned him respect within global circles.

He later rose to become President of the ECOWAS Commission, where he played a major role in promoting peace, cooperation, and economic integration among West African states. His leadership was widely acknowledged for strengthening regional unity.

Born on January 12, 1935, in Keta in the Volta Region, Ambassador Gbeho dedicated much of his life to public service. He passed away in June 2026 at the age of 91.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course, as the nation reflects on the life and legacy of a diplomat widely regarded as a pillar of Ghana’s foreign relations.