Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to global standards in the diamond trade, launching a high-level review visit under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
The visit aims to audit the country’s internal controls and ensure its diamond exports remain “conflict-free.”
Speaking at the opening session in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, emphasized that the nation is aggressively pursuing reforms to heighten transparency and governance within the diamond value chain.
Strengthening Oversight
Mr. Gyamfi detailed a suite of new measures designed to align Ghana’s diamond industry with international best practices. These include:
● Enhanced Inspection: More rigorous physical verification and auditing mechanisms for rough diamonds.
● Internal Controls: Strengthened tracking systems to monitor diamonds from the point of extraction to export.
● Capacity Building: Specialized training for personnel to identify illicit trade patterns and ensure regulatory compliance.
“These reforms demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to continuous improvement and our responsiveness to global expectations regarding the responsible diamond trade,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.
A Peer Review Mechanism
The Kimberley Process review team—comprising international experts and industry peers—is in the country to assess the effectiveness of Ghana’s legal and regulatory frameworks. The visit includes technical briefings, site inspections, and consultations with law enforcement agencies and private sector stakeholders.
The CEO noted that the government welcomes the team’s feedback, viewing the exercise as a platform for “constructive engagement” that will further fortify the country’s institutional structures.
Road to the Chairmanship
The timing of this review is particularly significant as Ghana currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process. The country is officially preparing to assume the Chairmanship in 2027, a role that will place Ghana at the helm of the global fight against “blood diamonds.”
“Ghana recognizes the responsibility that comes with this role,” Mr. Gyamfi said. “We remain dedicated to supporting the evolution of the process through inclusive dialogue and consensus-building to ensure the Kimberley Process remains relevant and forward-looking.”
Celebrating Heritage
Coinciding with Ghana Heritage Month, Mr. Gyamfi encouraged the visiting delegates to experience the country’s cultural landscape alongside their official duties. He noted that the spirit of transparency in the diamond sector mirrors the national values being celebrated throughout March.
The Kimberley Process was established in 2003 to prevent “conflict diamonds” from entering the mainstream market, ensuring that diamond purchases do not finance rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate governments.
