Foreign Affairs Ministry to name new facility after late Ambassador Victor Gbeho

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will name one of the facilities in its new ministerial block after the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Ghana's diplomacy and public service.

The announcement was made by the Minister for 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.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, the decision was taken jointly with the management of the Ministry as a lasting tribute to one of Ghana's most distinguished 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," the Minister announced.

Paying tribute to the late diplomat, Mr. Ablakwa said Ambassador Gbeho's influence extended well beyond Ghana's borders, describing him as a respected statesman whose contributions shaped diplomacy, regional integration and peacebuilding across Africa.

He noted that throughout a distinguished career spanning more than six decades, Ambassador Gbeho served Ghana with exceptional dedication, professionalism and integrity, earning admiration both at home and internationally.

The Foreign Affairs Minister described him as a principled public servant who demonstrated that patriotism is reflected through competence, discipline, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to national service.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, Ghana has lost one of its finest diplomats whose contributions will continue to inspire future generations of public servants.

"Ghana has lost an exceptional statesman, Africa has lost a devoted peacemaker, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lost one of its finest sons," he said.

Ambassador James Victor Gbeho passed away on June 14, 2026, at the age of 91, bringing to an end a remarkable diplomatic and political career that spanned more than 60 years.

Born on January 12, 1935, in Keta in the Volta Region, he played a central role in shaping Ghana's foreign policy across successive administrations.

He served as Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2001 under former President Jerry John Rawlings, where he helped strengthen Ghana's diplomatic relations and international cooperation.

Beyond serving as Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Gbeho also represented the Anlo Constituency in Parliament and later became foreign policy adviser to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, providing strategic guidance on international affairs.

Throughout his diplomatic career, Ambassador Gbeho represented Ghana in several important international postings, serving in:

• China
• India
• Nigeria
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• Switzerland

His extensive diplomatic experience culminated in his appointment as President of the ECOWAS Commission, where he played a significant role in promoting regional cooperation, peace, security and economic integration across West Africa.

His leadership at both the national and regional levels earned him widespread respect as one of Africa's most accomplished diplomats.

The decision to name a facility in the Ministry's new ministerial block after Ambassador Gbeho reflects government recognition of his immense contribution to Ghana's diplomatic service.

The gesture is expected to preserve his legacy while inspiring future generations of diplomats and public servants to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and dedicated national service that defined his career.