The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Adu Gyamfi, has issued a strong call for renewal, unity and decisive reform at the 2025 Kimberley Process Ministerial Meeting held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday, November 20.
Addressing ministers, delegates and industry leaders from across the world, Mr. Gyamfi said the Kimberley Process had made significant historic gains, but warned that the realities of today’s diamond trade demand urgent reforms to protect vulnerable communities and strengthen global confidence in the certification regime.
He noted that although the Kimberley Process successfully curtailed the use of diamonds to fund armed conflict two decades ago, the nature of conflict and exploitation has since shifted. According to him, modern diamond-producing communities may not be caught in open warfare, yet they suffer new forms of violence expressed through economic exclusion, exploitation and loss of livelihoods.
He expressed disappointment that key reform efforts have stalled in recent years while the global diamond landscape continues to evolve rapidly. “While we debate, the world changes,” he said, adding that the moral cost of inaction continues to rise for communities that still bear the scars of exploitation.
Touching on the controversial issue of redefining “conflict diamonds,” he said all proposals on the table reflect legitimate concerns and aspirations, and urged participating countries to focus on convergence rather than disagreement. He stressed that although consensus is central to the Kimberley Process, it must not become a tool for stagnation.
“Consensus must be a path to progress and not a recipe for paralysis,” he remarked, calling on member states to embrace incremental but meaningful reforms that enhance credibility and transparency within the diamond trade.
Mr. Gyamfi appealed to delegates to avoid letting the pursuit of a perfect text derail achievable improvements. He urged the meeting to demonstrate leadership by choosing cooperation over narrow interests and stagnation. “Let history record that this meeting chose renewal over stagnation and that we moved forward, even if by small but significant steps,” he said.
On Ghana’s part, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting reforms that protect vulnerable populations while ensuring the sustainability of legitimate trade. He said Ghana stands ready to work with all members to strengthen the Kimberley Process for the benefit of current and future generations.
The meeting in Dubai brought together global stakeholders to discuss challenges and reforms within the international diamond certification scheme, which has guided the trade for over 20 years.
By Bawa Musah
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