Ghana is hosting a four-day compliance review by international experts under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), a visit that comes as the country prepares to assume the chairmanship of the global conflict diamond prevention body in 2027.
The review mission, running from March 9 to 12 in Accra, is being conducted under the leadership of the Russian Federation and brings together representatives from participating countries, government institutions, industry stakeholders, and civil society organisations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, said Ghana remains committed to the global framework governing diamond trade, adding that the country has maintained robust export controls, traceability systems, and verification protocols to ensure its diamonds remain conflict-free.
Gyamfi outlined a series of reforms implemented to improve oversight within the diamond value chain, including enhanced inspection and verification mechanisms, strengthened internal control systems, and capacity-building initiatives for personnel involved in the sector.
He described the review exercise as “an important platform for constructive engagement, peer review, mutual learning and institutional strengthening,” adding that Ghana’s implementation framework relies on coordination among several institutions, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, as well as law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders.
Gyamfi also highlighted Ghana’s broader role within the Kimberley Process, noting that the country currently serves as Vice Chair and is preparing to assume the Chairmanship in 2027, with the aim of ensuring the Process remains relevant, forward-looking, and effective in preventing conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate global market.
Technical teams from Ghana are expected to brief the delegation on the country’s legal and regulatory framework governing the diamond sector, export and certification procedures, internal control systems, and collaboration with enforcement agencies. The delegation will also undertake field visits and institutional meetings to gain deeper insight into Ghana’s diamond governance systems.
Ghana’s appointment as Vice Chair for 2026 and Chair for 2027 made it the first West African nation to hold either position in the organisation’s history. The Kimberley Process, established in 2003, brings together 60 participants representing 86 countries, accounting for more than 99 per cent of global rough diamond trade.
