By: Nana Kwasi Roka

Ghana has called on Kimberley Process member states to take decisive but measured action to reform the diamond trade, emphasizing the need to strengthen the moral and practical foundations of the global certification scheme. The appeal came from Mr. Sammy Gyamfi (Esq), Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), during the 2025 Kimberley Process Ministerial Meeting on November 20 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Speaking on behalf of Ghana, Mr. Gyamfi thanked the UAE for hosting the gathering and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the KP’s mission of preventing diamonds from fueling conflict. He noted, however, that while large-scale armed conflicts have become less common in diamond-producing regions, new forms of harm – such as exploitation, dispossession and social exclusion – are increasingly obvious in mining communities.

“Today, diamond communities may not hear gunfire, but they feel the violence of exploitation, dispossession and exclusion,” he said, warning that necessary reforms have stalled even as the ethical cost of inaction deepens.

Mr. Gyamfi acknowledged that redefining “conflict diamonds” is a contentious issue, with diverse perspectives among KP participants. Nevertheless, he urged all parties to move beyond idealistic debates and focus on tangible progress.

“Consensus must be a path to progress and not a recipe for paralysis,” he said. He argued that even if the final text does not address every concern, incremental reforms are essential to maintain the KP’s credibility.

Ghana, under his leadership, called for dialogue grounded in convergence – protecting vulnerable populations while preserving legitimate trade. Mr. Gyamfi urged delegates not to let the “quest for perfection become the enemy of meaningful incremental reform.”

He concluded his remarks with a powerful appeal to history: “Let history record that this meeting chose renewal over stagnation – and that we moved forward, even if by small but significant steps. Ghana stands ready to walk this path with you.”

The speech underscores Ghana’s growing international role in precious-mineral governance, with Mr. Gyamfi having already led GoldBod’s push for transparency, value-addition and ethical sourcing since his appointment earlier this year.