Ghana tightens diamond export controls under Kimberley review

Ghana has strengthened oversight of its diamond export regime as part of an international compliance review under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering the global market.

According to the Ghana Gold Board, the exercise is intended to assess Ghana’s adherence to global certification standards while reinforcing transparency, traceability and accountability in the country’s diamond trade.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Kimberley Process review visit in Accra on Monday, March 9, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, said Ghana remains committed to the global framework governing the trade in diamonds.

He maintained that Ghana’s participation in the certification regime reflects the country’s determination to ensure diamonds exported from the country meet strict international standards and contribute to national development.

“Ghana remains firmly committed to the principles, objectives and requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme,” he said.

Sammy Gyamfi added that Ghana is determined to ensure that diamonds produced and exported from the country are handled responsibly.

“Our participation reflects our determination to ensure that diamonds produced and exported from Ghana are handled in full compliance with international standards and contribute meaningfully to national development and the well-being of our people,” he added.

The review mission, taking place from March 9 to March 12, is being conducted by a delegation from the Kimberley Process under the leadership of the Russian Federation.

Mr Gyamfi explained 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.

Through this collaboration, Ghana has maintained “robust export controls, traceability systems and verification protocols to ensure that our diamonds remain conflict-free,” he explained.

He further described the review exercise as “an important platform for constructive engagement, peer review, mutual learning and institutional strengthening.”

Ghana currently serves as vice-chair of the Kimberley Process and is expected to assume the chairmanship in 2027.

Source: CitiNewsRoom