ACCRA, Jun 17 (THE AFRICAN PORTAL) – The Agyeman-Rawlings family on Tuesday morning called on the family of the late Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, former Foreign Minister of Ghana to commiserate with them on his passing last Sunday.
Led by Oheneba Akwasi Abayie, Otumfuo’s Akomforehene and Colonel Joshua Agbotui, Head of the Agbotui family, the delegation expressed their sincere condolences to the Gbeho family which included the children, sibling and extended family members of the late Ambassador. Present was Dr. Obed Yao Asamoah, also a former Foreign Minister and Attorney-General, academic and leading member of the National Democratic Congress.
Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle and eldest child of President and Mrs. Rawlings, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings in paying tribute to Ambassador Gbeho, described him as a man who had a lasting relationship with the Agyeman-Rawlings family.
She said the relationship was a lifelong one that lasted beyond President Rawlings’ loss and continued well after Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings also passed.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings stated that her family will support the Gbehos as they plan a befitting farewell for the distinguished Ghanaian patriot, stating that the family’s relationship with the Ambassador was something she could not describe in words. She assured the Gbeho family of their support, love and readiness to assist to help ease the pain and burden that has befallen them. She prayed for strength and grace during the entire mourning period.
Other members of the delegation who included 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 took turns to introduce themselves and pay emotional tributes to Ambassador Gbeho.
Madam Kiki Gbeho, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and daughter of Ambassador Gbeho, in responding to the Agyeman-Rawlings family, expressed her family’s gratitude for the visit. She also paid glowing tribute to her father who she confessed was the best person to handle the current circumstances they found themselves.
Describing him as “the quintessential diplomat, Madam Gbeho said he understood the protocols for all circumstances, stating that he will be dearly missed. She was however thankful that he impacted not only on Ghana and West Africa but indeed the whole world.
James Victor Gbeho, a lawyer and diplomat, was Ghana’s Foreign Minister from 1997 to 2001. He was also the Member of Parliament for Anlo from 2001 to 2005. He served as a career diplomat, serving in several missions including China, India, Nigeria, Germany, United Kingdom and Switzerland. In 1994 was appointed the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Somalia.
Between 2010 to 2012 he was elected as the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
