Ghana Gold Board CEO Welcomes Kimberley Process Review Team, Reaffirms Commitment to Conflict-Free Diamonds
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), Sammy Gyamfi, has welcomed a delegation from the Kimberley Process (KP) Review Team to Accra for a four-day review visit aimed at assessing the country’s compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
In a welcome address at the opening ceremony of the review visit, Gyamfi emphasized Ghana’s commitment to the principles and objectives of the KPCS, saying, “As a diamond-producing country, Ghana remains firmly committed to the principles, objectives, and requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.”
Sammy Gyamfi highlighted Ghana’s efforts to strengthen governance across the diamond value chain, including improvements in inspection and verification mechanisms, internal control systems, and capacity building for technical personnel. He noted that the country’s national KPC Scheme implementation framework is anchored on strong inter-agency coordination, bringing together relevant government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders.
The CEO expressed confidence that the review visit would provide an opportunity for constructive engagement, peer review, and institutional strengthening, saying, “We view this Review Visit not merely as an assessment exercise, but as an opportunity for constructive engagement, peer review, learning, and institutional strengthening.”
Sammy Gyamfi briefed the review team on Ghana’s progress in implementing KPCS requirements, including the establishment of robust export controls, traceability systems, and verification protocols to ensure that diamonds produced and exported from Ghana are conflict-free and responsibly sourced.
The review visit, which runs from March 9-12, 2026, is led by the Russian Federation and brings together representatives from KP participant countries, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations.
Ghana is currently serving as Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process and is set to assume the Chairmanship in 2027. Gyamfi reiterated the country’s commitment to supporting the evolution of the KP through pragmatic leadership, inclusive dialogue, and consensus building among participants and stakeholders.
“We recognize the responsibility entrusted to us by the KP family,” Gyamfi said. “We remain committed to supporting the continued evolution of the Kimberley Process through pragmatic leadership, inclusive dialogue, and consensus building among Participants and stakeholders.”
The CEO invited the review team to engage in open dialogue and productive exchanges during their visit, saying, “We encourage open dialogue throughout this process and look forward to productive exchanges.”
The review visit includes site visits and comprehensive briefings on Ghana’s legal and regulatory framework governing the diamond sector, export and certification procedures, internal control systems, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders.
Gyamfi expressed confidence that the review team’s observations and recommendations would further support Ghana in strengthening its implementation of KPCS requirements.
In closing, Gyamfi officially declared the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Review Visit to Ghana duly opened, wishing the review team fruitful deliberations and a successful mission.
The review visit is expected to provide an opportunity for Ghana to showcase its efforts to strengthen governance across the diamond value chain and contribute to the global effort to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate trade.
