The family of Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, a doyen of Ghanaian diplomacy and regional integration, has formally notified President John Dramani Mahama of his demise, observing a time-honored protocol of statecraft before a public proclamation.
The delegation underscored the cultural and diplomatic imperative of apprising the Head of State prior to announcing the loss, reflecting Gbeho’s stature as a public servant whose career transcended national boundaries. President Mahama, receiving the family at his office, described the late envoy as a repository of institutional memory and a beacon of multilateral engagement.
Ambassador Gbeho’s distinguished trajectory spanned postings in New York, stewardship of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representation of the Anlo constituency in Parliament, and leadership of the ECOWAS Commission as its President, formerly styled Executive Secretary. His tenure was characterized by deft negotiation, advocacy for West African cohesion, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter.
Colleagues recall his intellectual rigor and diplomatic finesse during critical junctures, from peacebuilding initiatives in the sub-region to Ghana’s articulation of African positions on the global stage. His interventions at the United Nations were instrumental in shaping discourse on disarmament, development financing, and south-south cooperation.
The passing of the venerable statesman marks the close of a chapter in Ghana’s foreign policy annals, leaving a legacy of mentorship to generations of diplomats and technocrats. Funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family in due course, with state involvement anticipated given his monumental service.
Source: Jubilee House
Author: Korkor Anumu
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