At the 2nd Extraordinary Meeting of the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) held in Accra, Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, issued a strong appeal to West African leaders to reinforce the region’s collective defense against money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons.
She highlighted the critical link between effective financial crime prevention and the broader goals of regional peace, stability, and long-term development. With the threat of illicit financial flows continuing to undermine national economies, the Vice President emphasized the need for robust and coordinated action across all West African states.
GIABA, a specialized body established by ECOWAS and modeled after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), plays a central role in helping member states implement global anti-financial crime standards. The organization’s work is especially vital in a region where illegal capital movement fuels corruption, armed conflict, and extremism, draining the continent of billions each year.
The Vice President recognized the commitment of GIABA’s member countries to building resilient financial systems and encouraged a forward-thinking approach that anticipates evolving threats. She called for regional institutions to adapt their strategies, expand partnerships, and deepen their responsiveness to changing security and governance landscapes.
One of the key messages in her address was the importance of inclusive collaboration, especially with countries currently undergoing political transitions, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Though these nations are suspended from certain ECOWAS political structures, their participation in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts remains crucial. Political instability, she warned, often creates opportunities for criminal networks to thrive.
The Vice President closed with a call for stronger unity among ECOWAS states, emphasizing that collective efforts are essential for building a secure and resilient West Africa. Ghana, known for its democratic stability, continues to champion regional cooperation in addressing the root causes of financial crime and promoting effective governance.
The long-term success of these efforts, she noted, depends on sustained political will, improved cross-border collaboration, and the unwavering implementation of international standards to detect, prevent, and disrupt the illicit flow of funds throughout the region.
