Stories and facts
Born on December 7, 1950, in Bimbilla, Ghana, Chambas has served as an international civil servant since 2006, holding various prestigious positions on both the national and global stages.
Chambas' educational journey began at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast, Ghana, and later at the Government Secondary School, now known as Tamale Secondary School in Tamale. He pursued his passion for political science and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1973. His academic pursuits took him to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he completed his Master's degree in 1977 and earned a Ph.D. in 1980.
In addition to his political science qualifications, Chambas also holds a law degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He was duly admitted to practice law in both Ghana and the State of Ohio.
Chambas' professional journey included a diverse range of roles. In the United States, he worked as a teacher at Oberlin College in Ohio and practiced law with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and the Cleveland Law Office of Forbes, Forbes, and Teamor. However, his commitment to Ghana led him to return to his homeland, where he pursued a career in education administration.
Chambas' political career began in 1987 when he assumed the role of Deputy Foreign Secretary of Ghana. His extensive experience in diplomacy saw him represent Ghana in various international delegations to countries such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. He also played a crucial role in Ghana's participation in international forums, including the UN General Assembly, ministerial meetings of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Commonwealth.
In the realm of Ghanaian politics, Chambas served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bimbilla from January 1993 to January 1997 under the banner of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). During this time, he held the prestigious position of First Deputy Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament from 1993 to 1994. As the Chairman of the Appointments and Privileges Committees of Parliament, Chambas played a pivotal role in parliamentary proceedings. His expertise extended to chairing the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament in 1993–94, overseeing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Chambas rose to international prominence as a mediator during tumultuous times. He played a crucial role in mediating between warring factions in the First Liberian Civil War during the 1990s. Additionally, he was instrumental in mediating during the Ivorian Civil War in the early 2000s. His central involvement in ECOWAS mediation efforts in Liberia led to direct participation in negotiations that culminated in agreements to end the Liberian civil war.
Despite his early successes, Chambas faced challenges in his political career, losing his parliamentary seat in 1996. During this period, the government of President Jerry Rawlings removed him from the foreign ministry and placed him in charge of Ghana's primary education system.
However, Chambas' dedication and resilience saw him regain his parliamentary seat in 2000. He played a significant role as a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, working to facilitate transitions to constitutional democratic governance in countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia.
Chambas' leadership capabilities led to him being nominated to head ECOWAS by Ghanaian President John Kufuor in 2001. He was subsequently elected as the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS and assumed office on February 1, 2002. During his tenure as Executive Secretary, he oversaw the 15-person Executive Secretariat of this vital international organization, serving in this capacity until 2006.
On December 20, 2012, Chambas received a significant appointment as the Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). This appointment, made by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, placed him in a critical role to address the complex challenges in Darfur. He succeeded Ibrahim Gambari of Nigeria in this capacity.
Further underscoring his diplomatic prowess, on September 12, 2014, Chambas was appointed as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWA). In this role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing regional security and governance issues.
In April 2021, Chambas concluded his term as the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, marking the end of a distinguished chapter in his career. Mahamat Saleh Annadif succeeded him in this role.In recognition of his expertise in diplomacy and conflict resolution, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas received a notable appointment. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission appointed him as the High Representative for Silencing the Guns, highlighting his continued commitment to peace and stability on the African continent.
Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas' illustrious career exemplifies a tireless dedication to diplomacy, conflict resolution, and governance, earning him respect and admiration both nationally and internationally. His legacy continues to inspire future leaders in the pursuit of peace and prosperity in Africa and beyond.
