The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board delivered a stirring address at the Kimberley Process Ministerial Meeting in Dubai, urging delegates to embrace reform and renewal in the global diamond trade.
Speaking on behalf of the Republic of Ghana, the CEO commended the United Arab Emirates for hosting the conference and reflected on the Kimberley Process’s two-decade legacy of preventing diamonds from fueling wars and human suffering.
“For over two decades, the Kimberley Process has been a historic achievement — a collective effort to ensure that diamonds do not become instruments of conflict, wars and human suffering,” he said.
However, the CEO warned that the nature of conflict has evolved beyond armed rebel groups. He noted that while many diamond communities may no longer hear gunfire, they continue to endure exploitation, dispossession, and exclusion.
“Sadly, necessary reforms in the diamond trade have stalled. While we debate, the world changes. The landscape of the diamond trade is fast-shifting and the moral cost of inaction continues to rise,” he cautioned.
The speech emphasized the urgent need to redefine “conflict diamonds” to reflect modern realities. Ghana, he said, recognizes the legitimacy of all perspectives presented but stressed that consensus must lead to progress rather than paralysis.
“We may not find a perfect text that satisfies every delegation on every point. What we can and must do however, is take steps — however modest — to strengthen the credibility, relevance and moral authority of this Process,” he declared.
Calling for incremental but meaningful reforms, the CEO urged participants to focus on areas of convergence, listen carefully to one another, and prioritize solutions that protect vulnerable populations while safeguarding legitimate trade.
He concluded with a powerful appeal:
“Let history record that this meeting chose renewal over stagnation and cooperation over narrow interest — and that we moved forward, even if by small but significant steps. Ghana stands ready to walk this path with you.”
The Kimberley Process Ministerial Meeting, attended by ministers, delegates, and industry leaders from across the globe, continues to deliberate on reforms that will shape the future of the diamond trade and its role in promoting peace and sustainable development.
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