Ghana has held a state funeral for former Foreign Affairs Minister James Victor Gbeho, with the country’s political leaders, diplomats and traditional authorities gathering in Accra to pay their final respects to one of its most distinguished public servants.
Mr Gbeho, who died aged 91, was laid to rest at a ceremony at the Forecourt of the State House. His career in public service spanned more than five decades and included senior diplomatic roles at the United Nations and in West Africa.
President John Dramani Mahama led the national tributes, alongside Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
Former Namibian President Dr Nangolo Mbumba, President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr Omar Alieu Touray, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Members of Parliament, security chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps were also present.
Representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Anlo Traditional Council and the Old Achimota Students Association attended the ceremony, which brought together mourners from across Ghana.
The Forecourt of the State House was filled with mourners wearing black and red traditional clothing. Traditional drummers from Anlo performed dirges and Agbadza rhythms in honour of Mr Gbeho, while the Ghana Police Band played solemn music during prayers and tributes led by the clergy.
His coffin, covered by the national flag, was carried in a ceremonial procession accompanied by bugles and traditional drums. Mourners stood in silence as Ghana said farewell to a diplomat remembered for his integrity, humility and distinguished service.
Mahama praises ‘exceptional nation builder’
In the main state tribute, President Mahama described Mr Gbeho as an exceptional nation builder whose understated but effective diplomacy had enhanced Ghana’s reputation internationally.
He said the former minister had served with “uncommon professionalism, quiet confidence, and unwavering patriotism”.
Mr Gbeho was born in Keta in 1935 into a family known for its contribution to national life. His father, Philip Gbeho, composed Ghana’s national anthem.
“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.
The President highlighted Mr Gbeho’s service as Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1980 to 1990, a decade-long posting he described as one of the country’s longest and most distinguished diplomatic assignments.
Mr Gbeho later served as Minister for Foreign Affairs between 1997 and 2001 under former President Jerry John Rawlings. His other senior positions included United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, ECOWAS Special Representative for Liberia and President of the ECOWAS Commission.
President Mahama also recalled serving alongside Mr Gbeho in Parliament, where he said the late diplomat showed wisdom, humility and strong 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.
President Mahama said Ghana had lost an outstanding diplomat, but added that Mr Gbeho’s record of service and the respect he had earned for the country would continue to influence future generations.
Tributes from Parliament and Foreign Ministry
Speaker Alban Bagbin said Mr Gbeho’s life had been closely connected 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, referring to his encounters with Mr Gbeho at national events and during official foreign engagements.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa called Mr Gbeho one of Ghana’s finest diplomats and an outstanding public servant.
He said Mr Gbeho had remained intellectually sharp and committed to Ghana’s and Africa’s strategic interests into 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.
Mr Ablakwa noted that Mr Gbeho joined the Ghana Foreign Service in 1959. He said the late diplomat remained the only Foreign Affairs Minister in Ghana’s history to rise through the diplomatic ranks from junior career officer to head of the ministry.
Representing the Anlo Traditional Council, the Awadada of Anlo Dukor, Togbui Agbesi Awusu II, described Mr Gbeho as one of Anlo’s most distinguished sons.
He said the diplomat had brought honour to his people and Ghana, promoted Africa’s interests with grace and left behind a lasting example of integrity, wisdom and quiet diplomacy.
