Ghana has been appointed Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for 2026 and Chair for 2027, marking the first time a West African nation will lead the global diamond certification regime.

The announcement was made on November 21, 2025 during the closing session of the Kimberley Process Plenary at the ALMAS Conference Centre in Dubai.

The country’s delegation was led by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), with the appointment following two days of negotiations and consultations involving governments, industry representatives and civil society organisations.

The Kimberley Process is the global mechanism established by the United Nations to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate supply chain. It currently has 86 member countries.

Global recognition for Ghana’s minerals governance

Delegates at the Dubai meeting cited Ghana’s improved transparency, institutional reforms, and strong technical capacity in the minerals sector as key factors behind the decision.

According to participants, a statement delivered by Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, during the ministerial session, helped reinforce confidence in Ghana’s leadership credentials.

When the announcement was made, delegates reportedly responded with extended applause, signalling broad support for Ghana’s assumption of the role.

In an interview, Mr Gyamfi confirmed the appointment and said Ghana now carries a “renewed responsibility” to lead the KP with integrity and innovation.

“With the foundation of reforms already underway—particularly in gold and diamond governance—Ghana is well-positioned to guide the Kimberley Process into its next chapter of global impact,” he said.

While in Dubai, Mr Gyamfi also honoured an invitation from Sam Refinery, described as the largest refinery in the Middle East and the third largest globally.

Discussions focused on potential strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening Ghana’s mineral value chain, including refining and value addition.

Although details of the discussions were not disclosed, sources say the meeting forms part of broader efforts to position Ghana as a competitive hub for mineral processing.

Created in 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) seeks to prevent revenues from rough diamonds from fuelling conflict or instability.

Its success includes reducing illicit diamond flows and establishing a global certification standard for the diamond trade.

Ghana’s upcoming leadership follows a long list of countries that have chaired the KP since its inception, including South Africa, Canada, Botswana, India, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates.

Ghana will assume the Vice Chair role in 2026 before taking over as Chair in 2027.