Ghana has made history by becoming the first country outside Europe to assume the Chairmanship of the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC), taking over leadership from Switzerland in a symbolic handing-over ceremony held in Accra.
The transition marks a significant milestone for both Ghana and the global coalition dedicated to preventing genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, via his official Facebook page.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Mubarak reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to GAAMAC’s mission. “I pledged Ghana’s full support to GAAMAC’s mission of preventing genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening early warning systems, combating hate speech, promoting accountability, and building inclusive societies as key measures in atrocity prevention.
The Minister took the opportunity to congratulate Dr. George Amoh, Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, on his appointment as the new Chair of GAAMAC.
He noted that the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama , stands fully behind Dr. Amoh and is committed to empowering him in this global leadership role.
Representing Switzerland, outgoing Chair H.E. Simone Giger, the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, expressed confidence in Ghana’s stewardship. She highlighted the country’s exemplary track record in peacekeeping and its enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence, calling Ghana’s assumption of the Secretariat a natural and timely progression for GAAMAC.
GAAMAC is a global, multi-stakeholder network that brings together states, civil society, and academic institutions to prevent mass atrocity crimes through dialogue, cooperation, and capacity-building. Ghana’s leadership is expected to usher in a new era of inclusivity and broaden the organization’s reach into the Global South.
The transition comes at a time when global tensions and localized conflicts underscore the urgent need for preventive diplomacy and robust peace infrastructures. Ghana’s elevation to this key role reflects both its domestic efforts at peacebuilding and its international standing as a voice for stability and human rights.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
đź“ž +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
