Ghana assumes chairmanship of Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes

Accra, Sept. 13, GNA – Ghana has officially assumed the Chairmanship and Secretariat of the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC), marking the first time the leadership of the international body has moved outside Europe.

At a handover ceremony in Accra, Mr Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, said the transition reflected Ghana’s growing role in advancing peace and justice globally. He stressed the need for stronger national and international efforts to prevent atrocities such as genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

“Preventing these crimes requires early detection, decisive action, and addressing root causes such as inequality, exclusion and disempowerment of vulnerable populations,” he said, adding that inclusive societies grounded in human rights and justice were essential to reducing risks.

Ms Simone Giger, Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, commended Ghana’s peaceful posture and long-standing commitment to the rules-based international order. She said Ghana’s assumption of GAAMAC’s presidency came at a critical time, expressing confidence in its leadership as “a beacon for the global community.”

Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr James Gyakye Quayson, said hosting the GAAMAC Secretariat underscored Ghana’s enduring commitment to peace, justice, and the prevention of atrocities, while also reflecting international confidence in Ghana’s leadership.

Dr George Amu, the new Chair of GAAMAC, said the milestone affirmed Africa‘s recognition in global peacebuilding, adding that his vision was to make GAAMAC “more responsive, inclusive, expansive and action-oriented” through closer collaboration among states, civil society, and regional bodies.

GAAMAC, established in 2013, is a state-led initiative that supports countries in protecting populations from atrocity crimes by promoting national prevention strategies.