ECOWAS mourns demise of former Commission President James Victor Gbeho
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed sorrow over the death of former President of the ECOWAS Commission and Ghana's former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho.
Ambassador Gbeho died on Saturday, June 13, at the age of 91.
He served as President of the ECOWAS Commission from February 18, 2010, to March 1, 2012, during a period the organisation said was crucial to strengthening its institutions following major reforms.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 14, the regional bloc described the late diplomat as an accomplished statesman whose contributions to regional integration, peacebuilding and diplomacy left a lasting impact on West Africa and beyond.
"His leadership contributed significantly to advancing regional integration, strengthening the Community’s institutional architecture, and enhancing ECOWAS’s standing as one of Africa’s most ambitious and successful regional integration projects," the statement said.
ECOWAS noted that Ambassador Gbeho's service to the regional body began long before his appointment as Commission President.
According to the statement, he was appointed ECOWAS Special Representative for Liberia in September 1995 and played an important role in efforts to restore peace, stability and constitutional order in the country.
The regional bloc also highlighted his distinguished diplomatic career, which included serving as Ghana's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Minister for Foreign Affairs and United Nations Special Representative for Somalia.
"Throughout his career, Ambassador Gbeho demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diplomacy, peacebuilding, regional cooperation, and public service. His contributions to Ghana, West Africa, and the international community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude," ECOWAS stated.
The Commission extended condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, Ambassador Gbeho's family, the diplomatic community across West Africa and all who worked closely with him.
It described his passing as the loss of an esteemed regional leader and dedicated servant of peace and integration.