DiamondBuzz
Managing Director to Exit Okavango Diamond Company as Leadership Transition Begins
The Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has announced that Managing Director Mmetla Masire will step down from his role on December 1. He will be succeeded in an acting capacity by the company’s chief financial officer.
Lipalesa Makepe will oversee operations during the transition period, ensuring stability as the Botswana government-owned rough diamond marketer enters its next phase of leadership.
Masire, who has led ODC since 2021, is credited with driving a successful turnaround strategy. Under his leadership, the company achieved its highest-ever revenue in the 2022–2023 fiscal year, strengthened its organizational structure, and expanded its sales channels. ODC stated that Masire leaves the company in a strong position and has full confidence in the team’s ability to continue its progress.
Ghana, represented by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has been appointed Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for 2026 and is set to assume the Chairmanship in 2027. This landmark appointment, announced at the 2025 Kimberley Process Plenary in Dubai, marks the first time a West African nation will lead the global diamond certification initiative since its inception in 2003.
Despite being one of the world’s smaller diamond producers, Ghana’s strong commitment to responsible mineral governance, transparency reforms, and technical expertise in gold and diamond management garnered widespread confidence among KP members. The appointment followed intense deliberations among governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society, underscoring Ghana’s readiness to steer the KP’s efforts in combating conflict diamonds and enhancing sustainable practices worldwide.
As Chair, Ghana will oversee the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), coordinate working groups and committees, and guide policy decisions to ensure the integrity of the global diamond supply chain. Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi emphasized that this esteemed role entails a significant responsibility to lead with excellence, transparency, and innovation.
The UAE, the current custodian Chair in 2025, continues to maintain leadership continuity, while the position of Chair for 2026 remains unfilled. Ghana’s leadership signals a new chapter for the KP, strengthening West Africa’s role in global diamond governance and sustainable industry practices.
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