The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has moved to permanently honour the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho by naming a facility in its new ministerial block after him in recognition of his decades of service to the country and the international community.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during the state funeral of the former Foreign Affairs Minister and former President of the ECOWAS Commission on Friday, July 31 2026.

Government to honour late Ambassador Gbeho with a state funeral

Describing the late ambassador as one of Ghana's finest diplomats, Ablakwa said the decision was aimed at ensuring that his immense contribution to the country's foreign service continues to inspire generations of diplomats.

"In recognition of Victor Gbeho’s remarkable service and contribution to the nation, I, along with the management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have decided to name one of our facilities in our new ministerial block after him to immortalise his memory," he said.

The minister reflected on Ambassador Gbeho's long career in public service, saying his influence stretched beyond Ghana through his work in diplomacy, conflict resolution and regional integration.

According to him, the late statesman served with distinction and remained committed to the principles of integrity, professionalism and national service throughout his career.

Ablakwa further described Ambassador Gbeho's passing as a significant loss not only to Ghana but to the African continent.

He said Ghana had lost "an exceptional statesman," Africa had lost "a devoted peacemaker," while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been deprived of one of its most accomplished public servants.

The minister noted that although Ambassador Gbeho was no longer alive, his contributions would continue to shape Ghana's diplomatic landscape through the institutions he helped strengthen, the young diplomats he mentored and the peace initiatives he championed.

Ambassador James Victor Gbeho died on June 14, 2026, at the age of 91, bringing to an end a diplomatic career that spanned more than six decades.

Born in Keta in the Volta Region on January 12, 1935, he served as Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2001 under former President Jerry John Rawlings.

Over the course of his career, he also represented the Anlo Constituency in Parliament, served as foreign policy adviser to former President John Evans Atta Mills and held ambassadorial assignments in China, India, Nigeria, Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, playing a pivotal role in advancing Ghana's foreign policy and strengthening the country's international standing.

NA/VPO

Lawyer Maurice Ampaw on judicial corruption, national issues and Christian faith