State honours late diplomat James Victor Gbeho with solemn funeral

Ghana on Friday paid its final respects to one of its most distinguished diplomats, James Victor Gbeho, as the former Minister for Foreign Affairs was laid to rest following a state funeral at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra.

The ceremony brought together political leaders, diplomats, traditional authorities, family members and mourners from across the country to celebrate the life and legacy of the veteran statesman, whose public service spanned more than five decades.

The Forecourt of the State House was awash with mourners dressed in black and red traditional attire, reflecting both the solemnity of the occasion and Ghana's rich cultural heritage.

Traditional drummers from Anlo performed dirges and Agbadza rhythms in honour of their illustrious son, while the Ghana Police Band rendered solemn musical pieces that accompanied prayers and tributes led by the clergy.

As the casket, draped in the national flag, was borne in ceremonial procession to the sound of bugles and traditional drums, mourners stood in silence to bid a final farewell to a man widely admired for his integrity, humility and exemplary diplomatic service.

The funeral attracted the country's top leadership, including President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

Also in attendance were former Namibian President Dr Nangolo Mbumba, President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr Omar Alieu Touray, ministers of state led by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Members of Parliament, security chiefs, leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Anlo Traditional Council and the Old Achimota Students Association.

Mr Gbeho, who died at the age of 91, was celebrated as a patriot, scholar and accomplished diplomat whose contributions strengthened Ghana's international standing and advanced regional diplomacy.

Mahama pays tribute

Delivering the main state tribute, President Mahama described Mr Gbeho as an exceptional nation builder whose quiet but effective diplomacy earned Ghana global respect.

He said the late diplomat served the country with "uncommon professionalism, quiet confidence, and unwavering patriotism" throughout a distinguished career.

Reflecting on his background, the President noted that Mr Gbeho was born in Keta in 1935 into a family with an enduring legacy of national service.

"As the son of Philip Gbeho, the composer of Ghana's national anthem, he inherited not only a proud name but also a profound sense of duty to country," President Mahama said.

He praised Mr Gbeho's decade-long tenure as Ghana's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations between 1980 and 1990, describing it as one of the country's longest and most distinguished diplomatic postings.

President Mahama also highlighted his service as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2001 under former President Jerry John Rawlings, as well as his subsequent appointments as the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, ECOWAS Special Representative for Liberia and President of the ECOWAS Commission.

Recalling the period they served together in Parliament, President Mahama said Mr Gbeho consistently demonstrated wisdom, humility and conviction.

"I observed closely the qualities that made him such an exceptional public servant. He was thoughtful without being hesitant, firm without being confrontational, and humble without ever diminishing the strength of his convictions," he said.

The President added that although Ghana mourned the loss of an outstanding diplomat, his legacy of service and the respect he earned for the country would endure for generations.

Parliament and Foreign Ministry honour statesman

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin described Mr Gbeho as a statesman whose life was deeply intertwined with Ghana's pursuit of sovereignty, dignity and good governance.

"He was in the truest sense a son of Keta who carried the name of Ghana with great distinction," the Speaker said, recalling his interactions with the late diplomat during national events and official foreign engagements.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also paid glowing tribute, describing Mr Gbeho as one of Ghana's finest diplomats and an outstanding public servant.

According to Mr Ablakwa, Mr Gbeho remained intellectually sharp and deeply committed to Ghana and Africa's strategic interests even in his later years.

"He was a trusted source of counsel and an inspiring embodiment of the finest traditions of Ghana's public service. I am extremely grateful I had the opportunity to learn from him," the minister said.

He noted that Mr Gbeho, who joined the Ghana Foreign Service in 1959, remains the only Foreign Affairs Minister in the country's history to have risen through the diplomatic ranks from a junior career officer to head the ministry.

Anlo Traditional Council celebrates illustrious son

On behalf of the Anlo Traditional Council, the Awadada of Anlo Dukor, Togbui Agbesi Awusu II, described Mr Gbeho as one of Anlo's most distinguished sons whose life brought honour to both his people and the nation.

He said the late diplomat served Ghana with distinction, championed Africa's interests with grace and left behind an enduring legacy of integrity, wisdom and quiet diplomacy.