Mahama pays final tribute to Ambassador James Victor Gbeho at state funeral

President John Dramani Mahama on Friday attended the state funeral of the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, joining family members, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and mourners to pay their final respects to one of Ghana’s most accomplished diplomats and statesmen.

A tribute delivered on the President’s behalf by Presidential Adviser and Special Aide, Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, celebrated Ambassador Gbeho’s remarkable career in diplomacy and public service, describing him as a man whose integrity, patriotism and commitment to Ghana earned the country respect on the international stage.

Born in January 1935 in Keta in the Volta Region, Ambassador Gbeho was the son of renowned composer Philip Gbeho, who arranged Ghana’s National Anthem. The tribute noted that he inherited a deep sense of duty to the nation and spent more than five decades serving Ghana with distinction.

“Representing one’s country was not simply an assignment but a sacred trust,” the President’s tribute said, adding that wherever Ambassador Gbeho served, “Ghana’s flag flew a little higher because it was represented by a man of exceptional integrity, sound judgment and remarkable intellect.”

The tribute highlighted his decade-long service as Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1980 to 1990, describing it as one of the longest and most distinguished diplomatic postings in the country’s history. During that period of global change, he projected Ghana’s voice with dignity and principle while earning international respect for his commitment to dialogue and peace.

President Mahama also praised Ambassador Gbeho’s tenure as Minister for Foreign Affairs under President Jerry John Rawlings from 1997 to 2001, recalling that he had the privilege of serving alongside him in Parliament and witnessing firsthand his unwavering commitment to Ghana’s national interest.

The tribute further acknowledged Ambassador Gbeho’s service beyond Ghana’s borders, including his roles as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, ECOWAS Special Representative for Liberia, and President of the ECOWAS Commission, where he played key roles in promoting peacebuilding and regional integration across West Africa.

President Mahama also recognised Ambassador Gbeho’s later service as Senior Adviser to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, describing him as a trusted counsellor who continued to place his vast experience at the service of the Republic.

“Ambassador James Victor Gbeho belonged to that rare class of nation builders. He did not seek greatness; he sought only to serve. Greatness found him because he served with honour,” the tribute stated.

Concluding the tribute, President Mahama thanked God for Ambassador Gbeho’s life and service, saying his example would continue to inspire generations of diplomats and public servants.

“His voice may now be silent, but the respect he earned for Ghana will continue to speak long after his generation has passed,” the President said, praying for God to grant him eternal rest and comfort his family.