Nation bids farewell to Ambassador Gbeho
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the forecourt of the State House in Accra last Friday to pay their final respects to the late Ghanaian diplomat, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, who died at the age of 91.
The state funeral for the former Foreign Affairs Minister was led by President John Dramani Mahama and the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
A former President of Namibia, Mr Nangolo Mbumba, was among the dignitaries who joined Ghanaians to honour the memory of the veteran diplomat.
The ceremony was also attended by the Speaker of Parliament, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations, as well as citizens from all walks of life.
In a tribute read on his behalf by his Advisor and Special Aide, Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari, President Mahama described Ambassador Gbeho as belonging to a rare class of nation builders who dedicated their lives to public service.
“He did not seek greatness. He sought only to serve, and greatness found him because he served with honour,” the President said.
President Mahama noted that as the son of the composer of Ghana’s National Anthem, Ambassador Gbeho inherited a proud family legacy, which he complemented with a deep sense of duty and commitment to the nation.
He said from his early years in Ghana’s Foreign Service, the late diplomat represented the country with distinction and an unwavering commitment to duty.
“Wherever he served, Ghana’s flag flew a little higher because he was represented by a man of exceptional integrity, sound judgment, and remarkable intellect,” the President stated.
President Mahama said Ghana was bidding farewell to one of its most distinguished sons with a deep sense of appreciation for his years of dedicated service.
“We thank God for a life so richly lived, for a career so faithfully dedicated to the country, and for an example that will continue to inspire generations of diplomats and public servants,” he said.
Ambassador Gbeho, a career diplomat, served Ghana in various capacities and was widely recognised for his contribution to international diplomacy and the promotion of Ghana’s interests abroad.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
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