General News of Friday, 24 July 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Former Namibian First Lady eulogises late Victor Gbeho

Monica Geingos is Former Namibian First Lady Monica Geingos is Former Namibian First Lady

Former Namibian First Lady, Monica Geingos, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Ghanaian diplomat, Ambassador Victor Gbeho, describing him as one of the last representatives of a generation of African leaders who dedicated their lives to the continent's liberation and unity.

Speaking during a family gathering of the late diplomat on Friday, July 24, 2026, Geingos said Victor Gbeho's legacy extended beyond Ghana, noting that he played a significant role in Africa's struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

'Giant of our time' – President Mahama pays tribute to James Victor Gbeho

She recalled that her late husband, former Namibian President Hage Geingob, shared a longstanding relationship with Ambassador Gbeho, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s when both were in New York.

According to her, Geingob was then a petitioner to the United Nations, advocating for Namibia's independence, before later becoming the country's prime minister and eventually its president.

"The relationship was built in the crucible of our struggle. Namibia had apartheid, and they were fighting against apartheid South Africa. Ambassador Gbeho was critical in that fight," she said.

Geingos described Gbeho as part of a generation of Africans who believed in a continent free from colonialism and apartheid and who placed the collective interest of Africa above personal gain.

"It is Africans who believed in a free Africa, free of colonialism and apartheid. They believed in an ideal that was bigger than themselves," she stated.

She further praised the late diplomat for his humility and unwavering commitment to principles rather than personal enrichment.

"What we'll miss about Ambassador is really his selflessness. He wasn't a man who cared about material things or about himself. He cared about principles," she said.

The former First Lady expressed hope that Africa's emerging generation of leaders would emulate the values exemplified by Victor Gbeho, particularly his integrity, selflessness and dedication to the continent's progress.

"We want to see that in a generation of young African leaders," she added.

NA/VPO