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A 3-day regional sensitization workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) has been organized by the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in Accra commencing from 4th-6th June 2024.

The workshop aims to initiate a dialogue with CSOs to raise awareness on money laundering and countering the financing of terrorist issues, and to determine the roles and contributions of CSOs to national efforts.

The keynote address was delivered by Diana Asonaba  Dapaah, Ghana’s  Deputy Attorney General on behalf of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, emphasising the important role CSOs play in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Speaking further, Mrs Dapaah disclosed that the Office of the Attorney General headed by the Honourable Godfred Yeboah Dame always relishes the opportunity to support GIABA in among other things engaging on matters of global and West African security issues and for me, this workshop affords yet another opportunity for us to advance work on the mandate of GIABA and so let me, first of all, commend you my brother (DG-GIABA) and the GIABA secretariat whose strong workshops over the last several years has institutionalized these unique platforms for civil society organizations.

According to the Deputy Attorney General, it is important to highlight the fact that the workshop series not only strengthens the capacities of CSO stakeholders but also

provides a basis for the continuing advocacy of effective implementation of AML CFT in the West Africa area.

“I am aware that this platform has served not only as a forum for capacity building but also as a platform for thoughtful deliberations on current developments in anti-money laundering and counter-financing terrorism,” she added.

Mrs Dapaah expressed worry that the West African Region is confronted with a grave economic concern due to the raging issues of money laundering and related financing of terrorism thereby presenting a challenging environment that demands our constant attention and steadfast commitment.

“Aside from the integrity of complicit financial institutions being damaged, money laundering and terrorist financing have dire consequences on the region’s Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs),” said the Deputy AG.

“The routine innovation and ways of perpetuation often employed by these perpetrators to invade scrutiny and combat, demand our continued and commensurate alertness to fight to overcome” she advised.

“It is imperative particularly due to the nature of your funding as CSOs that you exercise the necessary due diligence in our value chain to ensure that we are not complicit and unaware of these crimes” she cautioned.

For his part, Edwin Harris Jnr, Director General of GIABA, in a remark at the official opening of the workshop emphasized the importance of the workshop in mobilizing CSOs to support national efforts in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.

GIABA’s Director General seized the opportunity to express gratitude for the attendance and support of government officials, emphasizing the critical role of international cooperation and stakeholder engagement in combating these global threats.

Consequently, Mr Harris stated that the workshop provides a platform for dialogue, sharing experiences, and determining the roles and contributions of CSOs in strengthening national AML/CFT regimes across West Africa.

Mr Harris also pointed out that In the last 24 years, GIABA has continued to drive massive stakeholder engagement to ensure that the proceeds of crime are not laundered, block the financing of terrorism, curb predicate offences, and promote economic growth that benefits everyone. GIABA has completed the 2nd round of the Mutual Evaluation of all 17 member Countries, with only Sao Tome and Principe’s report awaiting Plenary discussion in November.

“Therefore, may I implore you all to go through the report of your countries, identify the gaps they have addressed or are addressing and use the content to engage policymakers in advocacy and preparation for better outcomes in the upcoming Third Round of Mutual Evaluation,” Mr Harris stressed.

“In light of this, GIABA will provide some little grants for 15 CSOs in the region to support their work in advancing the course of AML/CFT in their countries. We, therefore, look forward to your participation in the process,” said Mr Harris.

The workshop brought together participants from various CSOs in West Africa including Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. The event featured presentations, panel discussions, and group sessions focused on AML/CFT issues, the role of CSOs in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, and the importance of collaboration between CSOs and government agencies.

The workshop will among other aims enhance the capacity of CSOs to identify and report suspicious transactions and to support national efforts in combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The event also provides a platform for CSOs to share their experiences and best practices in AML/CFT, and to contribute to the development of effective strategies for preventing money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

The workshop is expected to culminate in a communiqué outlining the roles and responsibilities of CSOs in AML/CFT, and the establishment of a regional network of CSOs to support national efforts in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.

By Kingsley Asiedu