The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons proudly announces that its Acting Executive Secretary, Dr. Adam Alhassan Adamu Bonaa, has been appointed as the Chair of the Diversion Information Exchange Forum (DIEF) under the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). This milestone was confirmed by the president of the Eleventh Conference of States Parties (CSP11), Ambassador Carlos Foradori, in a statement issued from Geneva on May 16, 2025.
Dr. Bonaa’s appointment positions Ghana at the forefront of international efforts to tackle the illicit diversion of conventional arms, which is a critical threat to global peace and security. As chair of DIEF, he will lead one of the most sensitive and operational arms control mechanisms within the ATT framework. The Forum serves as a confidential space for States Parties and signatories to exchange concrete information on actual or suspected cases of arms diversion, share enforcement insights, and propose collective responses.
Created in 2020 and reaffirmed as essential during CSP10 in 2024, the DIEF plays a pivotal role in helping countries detect, investigate, and prevent the rerouting of arms into unauthorized hands, including traffickers, criminal networks, and conflict zones. This makes the DIEF, which is discreet, focused, and action-oriented, unique in its structure.
The Diversion Information Exchange Forum (DIEF) over the years has been chaired by Mr. Tom Nijs of Belgium (CSP7), Mr. Alejandro Alba Fernández of Mexico (CSP8), Col. Philippe Lejeune of France (CSP9 & CSP10), and currently Dr. Adam Bonaa of Ghana, who is the first African to lead this all-important UN agency during CSP11.
Dr. Bonaa brings to the role a wealth of experience in security policy, law enforcement cooperation, and transnational crime prevention. His leadership in Ghana’s national arms control efforts and his commitment to transparency and international collaboration have made him a respected voice in the field.
The Commission sees this appointment not only as a personal honour for Dr. Bonaa but as a testament to Ghana’s growing influence and credibility in global security governance. His role will be key in advancing the ATT’s Article 11 objectives, fostering international cooperation under Article 15, and enhancing the flow of operational data to stop arms from falling into the wrong hands.
The Commission congratulates Dr. Bonaa and commits its full support as he undertakes this vital international mandate. His leadership will strengthen Ghana’s legacy of peacebuilding and responsible arms management on the world stage.