Late Victor Gbeho's contributions to Ghana's foreign policy will never be forgotten — Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has paid tribute to the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho.

Ambassador Gbeho, a former Minister for Foreign Affairs and former President of the ECOWAS Commission, died on June 13 at the age of 91.

His diplomatic career also saw him serve as Ghana's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Special Representative for Somalia.

The President described him as an accomplished diplomat and statesman whose contributions to Ghana's foreign policy and regional integration will endure.

The President made the remarks after receiving members of the late diplomat's family at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, June 23, where they officially informed him of Ambassador Gbeho's 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," President Mahama wrote in a social media post.

Mr. Mahama said the late diplomat made significant contributions to Ghana's foreign policy and devoted his career to promoting cooperation and integration within the West African sub-region.

According to him, the country has lost an experienced statesman whose counsel and expertise were invaluable.

"His contributions to Ghana's foreign policy and his tireless work toward the integration of the West African sub-region will never be forgotten," he stated.

Ambassador Gbeho served as President of the ECOWAS Commission from February 2010 to March 2012, a period the regional bloc described as critical to strengthening its institutions following major reforms.

ECOWAS has earlier mourned the former diplomat, describing him as a distinguished statesman whose work advanced regional integration, diplomacy and peacebuilding.

According to the regional bloc, Ambassador Gbeho played a key role in promoting peace and constitutional order in Liberia after he was appointed ECOWAS Special Representative to the country in 1995.