Former Foreign Affairs Minister James Victor Gbeho dies at 91

Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, a former Minister for Foreign Affairs and former President of the ECOWAS Commission, has died at the age of 91, bringing to a close a distinguished career in diplomacy and public service that spanned several decades.

The veteran diplomat passed away at a hospital on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The cause of death has not yet been made public.

Born on January 12, 1935, in Keta in the Volta Region, Ambassador Gbeho recently celebrated his 91st birthday. He was widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most accomplished diplomats, with a career that left a lasting impact on both national and regional affairs.

Throughout his years in public service, Ambassador Gbeho held several key positions, including serving as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2001 under the administration of former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Following his tenure as Foreign Minister, he represented the Anlo Constituency in Parliament between 2001 and 2005. He later served as a foreign policy adviser to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, contributing significantly to Ghana’s international relations and diplomatic engagements.

His diplomatic career included postings in several strategic countries, including China, India, Nigeria, Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, where he played a key role in strengthening Ghana’s bilateral relations and advancing the country's foreign policy objectives.

Ambassador Gbeho also served as Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1980 to 1990 and undertook ambassadorial assignments in Geneva and other major diplomatic centres.

In 2010, he was unanimously elected President of the ECOWAS Commission, a position he held until 2012. During his tenure, he was instrumental in promoting regional integration, cooperation and stability across West Africa.

Beyond his public service achievements, Ambassador Gbeho came from a family renowned for its contributions to Ghana’s history and culture. He was the son of Philip Gbeho, the celebrated composer who arranged Ghana’s national anthem, and the uncle of the late broadcaster, Komla Dumor.

His passing marks the loss of a respected statesman whose contributions to diplomacy, governance and regional cooperation earned him admiration both in Ghana and across the African continent.

The family is expected to announce details of his funeral and burial arrangements in due course.