Nat’l Tymes News Desk
GHANA has urged members of the Kimberley Process (KP) to support swift reforms that will protect vulnerable diamond-mining communities and strengthen the credibility of the global diamond certification system.
Speaking at the 2025 KP Ministerial Meeting in Dubai, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, delivered Ghana’s message and thanked the United Arab Emirates for hosting the gathering. He noted that for over two decades, the KP has helped prevent diamonds from fueling wars, but stressed that today’s challenges have evolved.
He explained that although armed conflict may not be widespread, many diamond-producing communities still face exploitation, unfair practices, poverty, and exclusion — forms of harm he described as “violence without gunfire.”
Lawyer Gyamfi expressed worry that important reforms have stalled while conditions in the diamond industry continue to change. He urged members not to allow inaction to undermine the KP’s legacy or leave affected communities behind.
On the ongoing debate about redefining “conflict diamonds,” Ghana encouraged countries to approach consensus as a tool for progress rather than delay.
“Consensus must be a path to progress and not a recipe for paralysis,” he said, calling on member states to find common ground and take meaningful steps — even if gradual — to strengthen the system.
He cautioned against allowing the search for a perfect agreement to block needed changes, adding that Ghana is ready to support reforms that promote fairness, transparency, cooperation, and legitimate trade.
Lawyer Gyamfi concluded by urging the meeting to choose “renewal over stagnation,” saying even small improvements can positively impact communities that depend on diamonds for survival.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
