President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to veteran diplomat and statesman James Victor Gbeho after receiving an official notification of his passing from the late diplomat’s family at the Presidency.
The Gbeho family, led by a delegation of relatives, called on the President on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to formally inform him of Ambassador Gbeho’s death in accordance with cultural tradition and diplomatic protocol before a public announcement was made.
During the meeting, President Mahama extended his condolences to the bereaved family and reflected on the significant contributions Ambassador Gbeho made to Ghana, the West African sub-region and the international diplomatic community throughout his distinguished career.
Ambassador Gbeho was regarded as one of Ghana’s most accomplished diplomats, having served in several key roles within the country’s foreign service. His diplomatic assignments included representing Ghana at the United Nations in New York, while his public service also saw him serve as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for the Anlo Constituency.
Beyond Ghana’s borders, he earned regional recognition when he rose to become President of the ECOWAS Commission, where he played a leading role in promoting regional integration, peace and cooperation among West African states.
President Mahama noted that Ambassador Gbeho’s legacy would be remembered for his commitment to diplomacy, regional stability and international collaboration, describing his service as one that brought honour to Ghana on the global stage.
Widely respected among his peers, Ambassador Gbeho was celebrated for his dedication to strengthening multilateral relations and advancing the interests of both Ghana and the West African region.
The family is expected to announce funeral and burial arrangements in the coming days.
