The Agyeman-Rawlings family on Tuesday morning paid a solemn visit to the family of the late veteran diplomat and former Foreign Minister, James Victor Gbeho, to commiserate with them following his passing last Sunday.
The delegation, led by Oheneba Akwasi Abayie, Otumfuo’s Akomforehene, and Colonel Joshua Agbotui, Head of the Agbotui family, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, which included children, siblings and extended relatives of the late statesman.
Also present was former Foreign Minister and Attorney-General, academic and senior member of the National Democratic Congress, Dr Obed Yao Asamoah.
Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle and eldest daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, led tributes on behalf of the family, describing Ambassador Gbeho as a man who maintained a deep and enduring relationship with the Agyeman-Rawlings family.
She noted that the bond between both families had been lifelong, extending beyond the passing of former President Rawlings and continuing even after the death of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings further assured the Gbeho family of the Rawlings family’s full support as they prepare a fitting farewell for the distinguished diplomat.
She said the family stood ready to assist in any way possible to ease the burden of the moment, adding that they would continue to offer prayers for strength, comfort and grace throughout the mourning period.
Other members of the delegation, including Ms. Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, Ms. Amina Agyeman-Rawlings, Mr. Kimathi Agyeman-Rawlings, former Information Minister Fritz Baffour, Brigadier General Benjamin Kusi (rtd), Agya Yaw Mainoo and Madam Sylvia Ahorlu, also took turns to introduce themselves and share emotional tributes in honour of the late diplomat.
Responding on behalf of the family, Madam Kiki Gbeho, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and daughter of the late diplomat, expressed deep appreciation to the Rawlings family for the visit and words of comfort.
She described her late father as the “quintessential diplomat”, noting that he possessed a rare ability to navigate protocol and international engagement with grace and precision.
According to her, he would be greatly missed not only by his immediate family but also by Ghana, West Africa, and the international community.
Madam Gbeho added that her father’s legacy of service and diplomacy had left an enduring impact, expressing gratitude that he had lived a life of meaningful contribution on the global stage.
Born a lawyer and career diplomat, James Victor Gbeho served as Ghana’s Foreign Minister from 1997 to 2001 and represented the Anlo Constituency in Parliament from 2001 to 2005.
His diplomatic career spanned postings in China, India, Nigeria, Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. In 1994, he was appointed as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Somalia.
Between 2010 and 2012, he served as President of the ECOWAS Commission, where he played a key role in regional diplomacy and integration efforts across West Africa.
His passing marks the end of a distinguished era of public service, diplomacy and regional leadership.
