Accra: Ghana has officially assumed the Chairmanship and Secretariat of the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC), marking a historic milestone as this is the first time the leadership of the international body has moved outside Europe. The new chapter for Ghana affirmed its leadership role in the global movement to prevent atrocities and build a safer, more just world.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, speaking at the official handover ceremony in Accra, emphasized the importance of strengthening both national and international efforts to prevent mass atrocity crimes. He highlighted the need to uphold the principles of responsibility, protect civilian populations, and implement strategic cooperation on early warning systems, accountability, human rights, and the rule of law. Mr. Mubarak stated that mass atrocity crimes, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, require early detection, action, and addressing root causes such as inequality and exclusion.
Mr. Muntaka called on the global community to eliminate the structural conditions that increase the risk of atrocities by fostering inclusive societies rooted in human rights, dignity, and justice. He noted that the transition of GAAMAC's leadership to Ghana recognized the country's long-standing contributions to international peace and justice, reinforcing its global standing as a champion of humanitarian values. The Minister pledged the Ministry's support to the GAAMAC Secretariat in Ghana and extended gratitude to the government and people of Switzerland for their leadership and partnership.
Ms. Simone Giger, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, praised Ghana's peaceful posture and consistent support for the international rules-based order. She expressed confidence that Ghana's strong sense of justice and peace would serve as a beacon for the global community. The Swiss and Ghanaian foreign policy priorities align, and she expressed deep confidence in Ghana's leadership of the GAAMAC Secretariat.
Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that Ghana's pride in hosting the GAAMAC Secretariat and assuming its leadership reflects its enduring commitment to peace, justice, and the prevention of atrocities. It also testifies to the international community's trust in Ghana's leadership and partnership in promoting human dignity and security. He reiterated Ghana's readiness to collaborate with international partners and civil society to advance GAAMAC's mission.
Dr. George Amu, the new Chair of GAAMAC, noted that for the National Peace Council, the assumption affirmed that Africa's experiences, leadership, and resilience in peace-building were being recognized globally. He emphasized the opportunity to contribute to shaping the global agenda on prevention from an African perspective, drawing on lived realities, challenges, and successes in building peace. Dr. Amu's vision for GAAMAC is to make it more responsive, inclusive, expansive, and action-oriented, facilitating closer collaboration among African states, civil society, and regional bodies.
GAAMAC, a state-led initiative launched in 2013, works to support states in protecting populations from atrocity crimes by promoting national-level prevention strategies.
