-Recounts His Services To Institution
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is mourning the death of its former Special Representative for Liberia, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, recalling his significant role in regional efforts to restore peace, stability and constitutional order in Liberia during one of the country’s most challenging periods.
According to an ECOWAS statement, Ambassador Gbeho died on June 13, 2026.
The regional bloc noted that Gbeho was appointed ECOWAS Special Representative for Liberia in September 1995, where he played a key role in supporting peace initiatives and efforts aimed at restoring stability and democratic governance in the country.
ECOWAS described his passing as a profound loss, highlighting his longstanding commitment to diplomacy, peacebuilding and regional cooperation.
The organization also recounted Gbeho’s contributions as President of the ECOWAS Commission from Feb. 18, 2010, to March 1, 2012. During his tenure, he led the institution through a critical period of consolidation following the 2007 reforms that transformed the ECOWAS Executive Secretariat into a Commission.
“His leadership contributed significantly to advancing regional integration, strengthening the Community’s institutional architecture, and enhancing ECOWAS’s standing as one of Africa’s most ambitious and successful regional integration projects,” the statement said.
ECOWAS emphasized that Gbeho’s service to the Community extended well beyond his presidency of the Commission, describing him as a distinguished diplomat and statesman whose career spanned several senior national and international positions.
Among those positions were Ghana’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations, Ghana’s minister of foreign affairs, and the United Nations special representative for Somalia.
Throughout his career, ECOWAS said, Ambassador Gbeho demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diplomacy, peacebuilding, public service and regional integration. His contributions to Ghana, West Africa and the international community will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
The ECOWAS Commission extended condolences to Gbeho’s family, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the government and people of Ghana, the diplomatic community across West Africa and all those who worked with him.
The Commission said it joins them in mourning the loss of an accomplished diplomat, respected regional leader and dedicated servant of peace and integration.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement said.
