Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for a robust system to combat the growing threats of money laundering, terrorism, and weapon financing in West Africa.
She highlighted the severe consequences of illicit financial flows and other criminal activities in regions with weak institutional security frameworks.
According to her, there is a need for a more inclusive approach to address these concerns.
Speaking at the 2nd Extraordinary Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money laundering in West Africa (GIABA) Ministerial Meeting, Professor Opoku-Agyemang stressed the need for a coordinated and capable security architecture within ECOWAS to effectively respond to and deter transnational threats.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the need for a collaborative yet principled dialogue with the Alliance of Sahel States in addressing transnational organized crimes that threaten the security of the West African region.
“The illicit flows of money and related crimes often thrive where coordination is weak and institutional presence is fragmented. It is in this light that discussions about deepening engagement with all parts of ECOWAS, including those in transition, take on renewed importance.
“As leaders and stakeholders, our duty is to ensure that our regional architecture for combating financing of terrorism and money laundering, and weapons remains robust, inclusive, and forward-looking.
“That architecture must be capable of addressing emerging threats within stable jurisdiction across West Africa.
The newly appointed Chairman of the GIABA Ministerial Committee, Sheku F. Bangura, who also serves as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance and Budget, expressed his commitment to working with member states to combat financial crimes in the region.
“As I assume this role as the chairman of GIABA, I pledge my commitment to working with you all to advance GIABA’s vision, and GNC as the supreme decision body under its statutes. In this capacity, I am honoured to guide my colleagues from member states in steering deliberation towards consensus-driven decisions that strengthen our collective fight against illicit financial crimes,” he said.
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