By Rachel Quartey & Rukayatu Musah
Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for deeper cooperation and inclusivity across West Africa to tackle the growing threats of money laundering, terrorism financing, and weapons proliferation.
Speaking at the 2nd Extraordinary GIABA Ministerial Meeting in Accra, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) for its behind-the-scenes efforts in safeguarding the region’s financial systems. She emphasized the importance of strengthening regional security frameworks, especially at a time when several ECOWAS member states are undergoing political transitions.
“The illicit flows of money and related crimes often thrive where coordination is weak and institutional presence is fragmented,” the Vice President said. “Our responsibility is to ensure that our regional architecture for combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Weapons remains robust, inclusive, and forward-looking.”
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also addressed recent tensions involving the status of the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) within GIABA, encouraging continued dialogue and unity. “These are not simple questions, but they are clearly worth tackling in the spirit of regional unity and resilience,” she noted, urging prudence and principled engagement.
Representatives from the Bank of Ghana, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ghana Police Service, and other national and regional institutions attended the high-level meeting held at The Palms by Eagles in Accra.
“As leaders and stakeholders, our shared challenges require shared solutions,” the Vice President said. “Let this meeting serve not only as a forum for policy, but also as a platform for a partnership that will lead to a more united and resilient West Africa.”
She extended warm hospitality to delegates from across the ECOWAS region, expressing hope that their time in Ghana would be both productive and enriching.
The meeting also marked a leadership transition within the institution. Outgoing Chairman, Lateef Fagbemi, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria lauded the GIABA Ministerial Committee for its dedication and strategic oversight during his tenure. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and extended his best wishes to his successor – Sheku Bangura, the Minister for Finance and Budget of Sierra Leone.
The newly appointed Chairman of the GIABA Ministerial Committee, Sheku Bangura, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering regional collaboration in the fight against financial crimes. Mr. Bangura, made this pledge following his assumption of the leadership role within the West African anti-money laundering body.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The meeting comes at a critical moment for the region as countries work to adapt to complex governance issues and evolving security threats. GIABA, a specialized institution of ECOWAS, plays a key role in coordinating the regional response to financial crime.
