Ghana has marked a historic achievement in the global diamond industry, securing the roles of Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for 2026 and Chair for 2027. This makes the country the first in West Africa to hold such influential positions.
The announcement came during the 2025 KP Plenary in Dubai, where governments, industry leaders, and civil society gathered to discuss and review the international system that ensures diamonds are traded responsibly and remain conflict-free.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was created to prevent rough diamonds from fueling armed conflicts. Ghana’s appointment as Vice Chair for 2026 and Chair for 2027 highlights the international community’s growing confidence in the country’s management of the diamond sector.
Delegates at the Dubai plenary praised Ghana for its strengthened regulatory frameworks, its commitment to transparency, and its dedication to promoting ethical practices in the mining and trade of minerals.
The leadership roles carry significant responsibility. As Vice Chair, Ghana will help coordinate KP operations and prepare for its tenure as Chair, during which it will guide policy decisions, oversee implementation of the certification system, and represent the KP in global forums.
These positions provide Ghana with a platform to influence the international diamond agenda while demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high standards in ethical trade.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), emphasized that the appointments place a renewed responsibility on the country to lead with integrity and innovation. He noted that Ghana’s ongoing reforms in diamond and gold governance position it well to shape the KP’s future and drive meaningful change.
During the Dubai visit, Ghana also engaged with executives from major refineries, exploring potential strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing local refining and value addition. Such initiatives could strengthen Ghana’s position in the global diamond value chain while supporting job creation and economic growth.
Ghana’s role in the Kimberley Process opens the door to influence how the global diamond trade operates. With this position, the country can help refine standards, update how conflict diamonds are defined, and encourage practices that make the trade more responsible and sustainable.
