Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible diamond production as it hosts an international review of its diamond certification systems under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
The review, which runs from March 9 to March 12 in Accra, brings together an international delegation of experts led by representatives from Russia to assess Ghana’s compliance with global standards aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, on Monday, March 9, 2026 the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, welcomed the delegation and emphasized Ghana’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the diamond sector.
He noted that Ghana’s participation in the Kimberley Process demonstrates the country’s determination to ensure that diamonds produced locally comply fully with international standards and contribute to national development.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, Ghana has built a strong implementation framework anchored on inter-agency collaboration among institutions such as the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission and the Ghana Revenue Authority.
He explained that these institutions work together with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to maintain strict export controls, traceability systems and verification procedures to ensure diamonds exported from Ghana remain conflict-free.
Sammy Gyamfi also highlighted recent reforms in the sector, including stronger inspection and verification mechanisms, improved internal control systems, enhanced data management processes and capacity building for frontline technical personnel.
“These reforms demonstrate Ghana’s commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to evolving global expectations in the diamond trade,” he said.
The review mission will involve technical briefings, institutional engagements and site visits to provide the delegation with a comprehensive understanding of Ghana’s legal, regulatory and operational framework governing diamond production and exports.
Mr. Gyamfi described the exercise as not merely an assessment but as an opportunity for constructive engagement, peer learning and institutional strengthening.
Ghana currently serves as Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process and is expected to assume the Chairmanship in 2027, a responsibility authorities say the country is preparing for through reforms and active participation in global governance of the diamond trade.
The Kimberley Process is an international initiative established to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds, rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance armed conflicts, into the global market.
Officials say the outcome of the review will help Ghana further strengthen its systems and maintain credibility in the international diamond trade.
The review is expected to conclude with recommendations aimed at enhancing Ghana’s compliance with Kimberley Process standards and strengthening governance across the country’s diamond value chain.
By Evelyn Tengmaa
