Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and former President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, has died at the age of 91.
Family sources confirmed that the veteran diplomat passed away at a hospital on Saturday, June 13, 2026, bringing to an end a remarkable career in diplomacy, politics and public service that spanned more than five decades.
Born on January 12, 1935, in Keta in the Volta Region, Ambassador Gbeho was widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most accomplished diplomats. His contributions to national development, regional integration and international diplomacy earned him respect both within Ghana and beyond.
He served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 2001 during the administration of former President Jerry John Rawlings. Following his tenure as Foreign Minister, he represented the Anlo Constituency in Parliament between 2001 and 2005.
Ambassador Gbeho later served as a foreign policy adviser to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, providing guidance on Ghana’s diplomatic and international engagements.
His diplomatic career saw him represent Ghana in several countries, including China, India, Nigeria, Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. He also served as Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1980 to 1990 and held a number of senior ambassadorial positions during his distinguished career.
In 2010, he was unanimously elected President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, becoming one of the few Ghanaians to occupy the top position in the regional bloc. He served in that role until 2012.
Reacting to his passing, the ECOWAS Commission expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to his contributions to regional integration and diplomacy.
In a statement, the Commission noted that Ambassador Gbeho led the organisation during a critical phase of institutional development following reforms that transformed the former Executive Secretariat into the ECOWAS Commission.
The Commission said his leadership played a significant role in strengthening the institution, advancing regional integration and enhancing ECOWAS’ reputation as one of Africa’s most successful regional organisations.
It also highlighted his earlier contribution to regional peace efforts, recalling that he was appointed ECOWAS Special Representative for Liberia in 1995, where he supported initiatives aimed at restoring peace, stability and constitutional order in the country.
“Throughout his career, Ambassador Gbeho demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diplomacy, peacebuilding, regional cooperation, and public service. His contributions to Ghana, West Africa, and the international community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” the ECOWAS Commission stated.
The regional body extended its condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, Ambassador Gbeho’s family, the diplomatic community and all those who worked closely with him over the years.
“The Commission joins them in mourning the loss of an accomplished diplomat, an esteemed regional leader, and a dedicated servant of peace and integration,” the statement added.
Beyond his public service, Ambassador Gbeho belonged to a family renowned for its contribution to Ghana’s national development. He was the son of Philip Gbeho, the celebrated composer of Ghana’s national anthem, and an uncle of the late international broadcaster Komla Dumor.
His death marks the loss of a respected statesman whose career helped shape Ghana’s foreign relations and contributed significantly to peace, diplomacy and regional cooperation across West Africa.
Below is a statement from ECOWAS;
