Accra: The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is seeking the support of Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) to achieve sustainable results in Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) efforts across the region. GIABA, in collaboration with Ghana’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), is hosting a two-day national sensitisation seminar in Accra aimed at raising awareness among religious leaders and institutions about the AML/CFT framework and GIABA’s mandate.

According to Ghana News Agency, the seminar is designed to agree on actionable points to promote peaceful coexistence and address Money Laundering (ML), Terrorism Financing (TF), and Proliferation Financing (PF) in Ghana and West Africa. Participants, including leaders from Christian and Islamic faiths, will discuss the implementation of AML/CFT measures in Ghana, the role of religious bodies as anti-corruption institutions, and the importance of combating the misuse of religious organisations for ML/TF/PF.

Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Ghana’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, represented by Mrs Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, the Director of Public Prosecution, commended GIABA for its leadership in strengthening the AML/CFT Framework of member states. He highlighted the increasing complexity of financial crimes that exploit charitable and religious institutions, emphasizing the need for strong safeguards.

Dr Ayine stressed the importance of empowering religious leaders with knowledge and tools to identify and report suspicious transactions, thus protecting their institutions from criminal misuse. He cited Ghana’s commitment to international standards on AML/CFT through various legislations and the pivotal role of the FIC in enhancing financial integrity and international cooperation.

Mr Timothy Melaye, representing GIABA’s Director-General, emphasized the collective responsibility of stakeholders, including religious leaders, in protecting economies and financial systems from crime proceeds. He provided a background on GIABA’s role as a Financial Action Task Force-styled Regional Body, highlighting its efforts in mutual evaluations, research, and capacity building.

Mr Kofi Boakye from the FIC explained the vulnerability of religious institutions to ML activities, urging FBOs to conduct background checks and report suspicious activities to the FIC for investigation.

Mr Melaye highlighted the increasing incidence of illicit income-generating crimes and the need for religious leaders to use their influence against such societal ills. He expressed hope that the seminar would renew the commitment of religious and opinion leaders to shape the morals of their congregations and followers.

Mr Boakye reiterated the importance of vigilance among FBOs, noting the use of unsolicited loans, tithes, and offerings as channels for laundering illicit funds. He encouraged FBOs to be proactive in identifying red flags and collaborating with the FIC for further investigations.