Gov't to hold state funeral for former Foreign Affairs Minister James Victor Gbeho on July 31

The Government of Ghana has announced plans to hold a state funeral for the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho in recognition of his distinguished service to Ghana and the international community.

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

The funeral will take place at the forecourt of the State House on Friday, July 31, and is being organised in collaboration with the Gbeho and related families.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, and signed by Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency said the state burial was in honour of the veteran diplomat's outstanding contributions to public service, diplomacy and regional integration.

"The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the Gbeho and related families, shall hold a State Funeral in honor of the stellar national and international service rendered by the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho at the forecourt of the State House on Friday, 31st July, 2026," it read in part.

The Presidency described Ambassador Gbeho as one of Ghana's most accomplished statesmen, noting that he rose through the ranks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to become Chief Director, Deputy Minister and later Minister for Foreign Affairs.

"Beyond service to Ghana, he was a Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Somalia, and later, President of the ECOWAS Commission," the statement added.

President John Dramani Mahama had earlier paid tribute to the late diplomat, describing him as an accomplished statesman whose contributions to Ghana's foreign policy and the integration of the West African sub-region would never be forgotten.

Ambassador Gbeho also served as Ghana's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and was widely recognised for his role in advancing diplomacy, regional cooperation and peacebuilding across West Africa.

The government extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirmed its commitment to honouring Ambassador Gbeho's enduring legacy of public service.