Dr Adam Alhassan Adamu Bonaa, Acting Executive Secretary of Ghana’s National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, has been appointed Chair of the Diversion Information Exchange Forum (DIEF) under the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), a key United Nations arms control mechanism.

His appointment was confirmed by Ambassador Carlos Foradori, President of the Eleventh Conference of States Parties (CSP11), in a statement issued from Geneva on Friday. Dr Bonaa becomes the first African to lead the forum since its creation in 2020.

The DIEF serves as a confidential platform within the ATT framework, allowing States Parties and signatories to share information on actual or suspected cases of arms diversion, collaborate on enforcement efforts, and coordinate responses. Its work is considered central to preventing the illicit trade and rerouting of conventional weapons into the hands of traffickers, criminal organisations, and armed groups.

Dr Bonaa’s appointment places Ghana at the centre of international arms control efforts. He takes over from Col. Philippe Lejeune of France, who chaired the forum during CSP9 and CSP10. Previous chairs also include Mr Tom Nijs of Belgium and Mr Alejandro Alba Fernández of Mexico.

In a statement, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons described the appointment as a significant recognition of both Dr Bonaa’s expertise in security policy and Ghana’s growing reputation in global peace and security affairs.

Dr Bonaa is known for his work in national arms control, transnational crime prevention, and international law enforcement cooperation. His leadership is expected to help advance key goals of the ATT, including Article 11, which addresses the prevention of arms diversion, and Article 15, which promotes international cooperation and information-sharing.

The Commission has pledged its full support for Dr Bonaa in his new role, describing it as an opportunity to further strengthen Ghana’s contribution to responsible arms management and peacebuilding on the global stage.