Ghana has called for renewed commitment and urgent reforms within the global diamond certification regime, the Kimberley Process (KP), urging member states to adopt practical and consensus-driven measures that address emerging challenges in the diamond trade.
The appeal was made by Sammy Gyamfi Esq, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Gold Board during the Kimberley Process Ministerial Meeting held on 20th November 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Addressing ministers, delegates, and international representatives, the CEO emphasized that although the Kimberley Process has, for more than two decades, played a historic role in preventing diamonds from fueling conflict, the nature of global challenges has changed significantly.
Mr. Gyamfi noted that while traditional armed conflicts have reduced, many diamond-producing communities continue to face “violence of exploitation, dispossession, and exclusion,” conditions he said are equally damaging and require urgent international attention.
According to him, progress on key reforms—particularly the long-debated expansion of the definition of “conflict diamonds”—has stalled, even as the moral and economic stakes in the diamond sector continue to rise.
“Necessary reforms in the diamond trade have stalled. While we debate, the world changes,” he stated, warning that communities living with the scars of exploitation must not be abandoned by global indecision.
Mr. Gyamfi acknowledged that the various proposals before the conference reflect the shared concerns and aspirations of all participants but insisted that finding common ground is essential to restoring the KP’s credibility and relevance.
The Ghanaian delegation stressed that although consensus is a foundational principle of the Kimberley Process, it must not lead to stagnation. Instead, nations should work toward “modest but meaningful steps” that protect vulnerable populations while ensuring legitimate trade thrives.
“Let us not allow the quest for perfection to become the enemy of meaningful incremental reform,” he urged, calling on the meeting to choose “renewal over stagnation” and to demonstrate global commitment to responsible diamond governance.
Ghana reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with all member states to advance reforms that will strengthen the moral authority of the Kimberley Process and ensure that diamond-producing communities benefit equitably from their natural resources.
The Kimberley Process, established in 2003, brings together governments, industries, and civil societies to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds into the global market. The 2025 Ministerial Meeting is expected to influence critical decisions aimed at reshaping the future of ethical diamond trade worldwide.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
