Ghana has secured a major diplomatic and industry milestone after being appointed Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for 2026 and Chair for 2027 — the first time a West African country will lead the global diamond certification and governance system.
The announcement was made on November 21, 2025, during the closing session of the KP Plenary at the ALMAS Conference Centre in Dubai. Ghana’s delegation, led by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), earned the appointment following two days of consultations with governments, civil society groups and industry stakeholders.
Recognition of Reforms and Transparency
Delegates cited Ghana’s strengthened minerals governance, improved transparency and institutional reforms as key reasons for the country’s elevation. A statement delivered by GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi at the ministerial session reportedly reinforced confidence in Ghana’s readiness to steer the global regime. His remarks drew extended applause when the appointment was confirmed.
Mr Gyamfi described the role as a “renewed responsibility” and said Ghana’s ongoing reforms in gold and diamond governance position the country to guide the KP into its next phase of impact.
High-Level Engagements in Dubai
While in Dubai, Mr Gyamfi also met with Sam Refinery — the largest refinery in the Middle East and the world’s third largest. Talks centred on potential strategic collaborations to strengthen Ghana’s mineral value chain through refining and value addition, though details remain undisclosed. The engagement is seen as part of broader efforts to make Ghana a competitive hub for mineral processing.
About the Kimberley Process
Established in 2003 under a UN mandate, the KP works to prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate markets. Its certification scheme now includes 86 member countries and is recognised for significantly reducing illicit diamond flows worldwide.
Ghana will take up the Vice Chair position in 2026 and assume the Chairmanship in 2027, following countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Canada, India, the EU and the UAE.