The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the Gbeho family, is holding a state funeral for veteran diplomat and statesman Ambassador James Victor Gbeho at the forecourt of the State House in Accra on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The ceremony honours Ambassador Gbeho's decades of distinguished service to Ghana and the international community, during which he held several key diplomatic positions both at home and abroad.

Born in Keta on January 12, 1935, Ambassador Gbeho was the son of Louise Kukubor and Philip Gbeho, the renowned composer of Ghana's National Anthem.

After studying English, Philosophy and History at the University of Ghana, he joined the country's Foreign Service in 1959 and went on to serve Ghana for more than five decades in various senior diplomatic roles.

Throughout his career, Ambassador Gbeho served in Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and represented the country in several international assignments.

He also held prominent leadership positions at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations, where he served as President of the United Nations Security Council.

Ambassador Gbeho died on June 13, 2026, at the age of 91.

He is survived by his wife, Edith Adoley Gbeho, and their four children.

The state funeral has drawn government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, family members and other dignitaries who have gathered to pay their last respects to one of Ghana's most accomplished diplomats.

Watch livestreaming below