Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has emphasized the urgent need for stronger cooperation and inclusivity among West African nations to combat the escalating threats of money laundering, terrorism financing, and weapons proliferation. Her remarks were delivered during the 2nd Extraordinary GIABA Ministerial Meeting held in Accra.
Highlighting the critical role of the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised the organization’s diligent efforts behind the scenes to protect the region’s financial integrity. She stressed that robust regional security frameworks are especially imperative as several ECOWAS member states experience political transitions.
“Illicit financial flows and related crimes often exploit weak coordination and fragmented institutional presence,” the Vice President noted. “Our collective responsibility is to ensure that the regional structures combating Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Weapons trafficking remain strong, inclusive, and progressive.” She further addressed current tensions concerning the Alliance of Sahel States’ (ASS) membership status within GIABA, urging continued dialogue to preserve regional unity and resilience.
The meeting gathered representatives from key Ghanaian institutions such as the Bank of Ghana, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ghana Police Service, alongside delegates from other West African countries. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on all participants to view this assembly not only as a policy forum but as a catalyst for building partnerships dedicated to a more united and secure West Africa.
Significantly, the gathering also marked a leadership transition in GIABA’s Ministerial Committee. Outgoing Chairman Lateef Fagbemi of Nigeria commended the committee’s strategic oversight during his tenure and welcomed his successor, Sheku Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance and Budget. Upon assuming his new role, Mr. Bangura reaffirmed his commitment to fostering regional collaboration and guiding consensus-driven decisions to strengthen the fight against financial crimes across West Africa.
This meeting occurs at a pivotal time when ECOWAS countries face increasing governance challenges and evolving security risks. GIABA’s continued coordination remains vital in unifying member states’ efforts to counter illicit financial activities and safeguard regional stability.
For further details, visit GIABA official website.
