Ghana assumes chairmanship of Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes  

Ghana has officially assumed the Chairmanship and Secretariat of the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC).  

This marks 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.  

Mr Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior, speaking at the official handover ceremony in Accra, said it was important to strengthen both national and international efforts to prevent mass atrocity crimes.  

He said there was 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.  

He said, “mass atrocity crimes such as genocide, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and war crimes are among the most heinous acts that humans commit against one another.”  

“Preventing these crimes requires early detection, action, and a commitment to addressing root causes such as inequality, exclusion, and the disempowerment of vulnerable populations,” he added.  

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 said the transition of GAAMAC’s leadership to Ghana was a recognition of country’s long-standing contributions to international peace and justice.  

“Ghana’s role in GAAMAC reinforces our global standing as a champion of humanitarian values,” he said.  

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, lauded Ghana’s peaceful posture and consistent support for the international rules-based order.  

She said Ghana’s assumption of the GAAMAC presidency was at a time when the international order was under severe strain, saying “we are confident that Ghana’s strong sense of justice and peace will serve as a beacon for the global community.”  

She said the Swiss and Ghanaian foreign policy priorities aligned and expressed deep confidence in Ghana’s leadership of the GAAMAC Secretariat.  

“It is deeply refreshing to serve as the Swiss Ambassador in Ghana because of our shared commitment to peace and justice,” she added.  

Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, said Ghana’s pride in hosting the GAAMAC Secretariat and assuming its leadership, reflected it’s enduring commitment to peace, justice, and the prevention of atrocities.  

He said it was also a testament 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.  

“Let us strengthen our resolve to prevent atrocities, uphold human dignity, and safeguard the values that unite us all as human beings,” he said.  

Dr. George Amu, the New Chair of GAAMAC, said for the National Peace Council (NPC), the assumption affirmed that Africa’s experiences, leadership and resilience in peace-building were being recognised globally.  

He said it was an opportunity to contribute to shaping the global agenda on prevention from an African perspective, drawing on our lived realities, challenges and successes in building peace.  

“My vision for GAAMAC is to make it more responsive, inclusive, expansive and action-oriented. To facilitate closer collaboration among African states, civil society and regional bodies, ensuring that best practices are shared, challenges are addressed and local capacities are strengthened.”  

GAAMAC, a State-led initiative launched in 2013, works to support States in protecting populations from atrocity crimes by promoting national-level prevention strategies.  

Source: GNA  

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