The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), a specialized institution of ECOWAS, is hosting a three-day Regional Sensitization Workshop on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West Africa. The event will take place from June 4 to 6, 2024, at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
The workshop aims to sensitize civil society on AML/CFT issues within the sub-region and to enhance the capacity of CSOs, empowering them to actively participate in the fight against money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF). GIABA recognizes the crucial role of civil society in mobilization and decision-making processes, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in the global effort to combat economic and financial crimes.
“Combating money laundering and terrorist financing is a collective responsibility. Protecting the economies and financial systems of member states from these scourges requires concerted efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders,” a GIABA representative stated.
One of GIABA’s strategic goals is to promote partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and other key stakeholders. This workshop will build on recommendations from previous sessions and develop solutions to effectively convey GIABA’s role in assisting member states in implementing robust AML/CFT regimes in line with international standards. It will also reaffirm the collaboration of civil society in public sensitization efforts.
The involvement of CSOs is vital in the fight against ML/TF. The workshop is expected to increase public awareness and exert effective and sustainable pressure, underscoring the efforts already deployed by GIABA in aiding its member states to address ML/TF issues. Civil society’s advocacy and change efforts are essential in sensitizing political leaders and decision-makers about the importance of combating these financial crimes.
The workshop’s broad themes include, Trends of ML/TF in the region and an overview of regional initiatives on AML/CFT and GIABA’s mandate.
Others are the role of CSOs in the fight against ML/TF in the region, forms of technical assistance for CSOs in the area of AML/CFT and
defining strategies to establish a robust network of West African CSOs engaged in AML/CFT.
The training will be delivered by experts from various countries and GIABA’s team faculty through presentations, case studies, group work, and sharing sessions.
The workshop underscores GIABA’s commitment to empowering CSOs and fostering a collaborative environment to protect the financial integrity of West African states.`
