The Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer has called for fresh commitment, realistic changes, and collective action within the international diamond certification framework, speaking to participants at the Kimberley Process (KP) Ministerial Meeting in Dubai.
Speaking on behalf of the Republic of Ghana, the CEO thanked the United Arab Emirates for hosting the event, describing the forum as critical to ensuring the integrity of the global diamond trade.
He commended the Kimberley Process as a historic achievement that has helped prevent diamonds from fuelling conflict, violence, and human misery for over two decades.
But he warned that the nature of conflict had changed considerably. Even though armed insurgencies may no longer exist in many diamond-producing regions, they nevertheless endure economic marginalisation, exploitation, and marginalisation.
He said, “Conflict is no longer confined to rebel armies in the bush, communities may not hear gunfire, but they feel the violence of dispossession and neglect.”
He bemoaned the glacial pace of diamond sector reforms, underlining that postponing action compromises the Kimberley Process’s moral underpinnings.
In order to safeguard vulnerable communities and preserve lawful trade, he called on member states to adopt practical and gradual reforms.
Speaking about the ongoing debates over what constitutes a “conflict diamond,” he admitted that conflicting ideas represented the objectives and legitimate concerns of different individuals. But he emphasised that reaching a consensus shouldn’t result in deadlock.
“Consensus is at the heart of the KP, but it must be a path to progress, not paralysis,” he said.
The CEO urged attendees to concentrate on areas of agreement, pay attention to opposing viewpoints, and look for workable solutions based on shared accountability.
He urged member nations to prevent significant progress from being impeded by the quest for perfection.
He proclaimed, “Let history record that this meeting chose renewal over stagnation. Ghana stands ready to walk this path of reform with you.”
Ghana reiterated its dedication to the Kimberley Process and its willingness to work with all parties involved to increase the legitimacy and applicability of the international diamond certification system at the end of the speech.
Source: newsthemegh.com