By: Nathaniel Nartey
The government of Ghana has reiterated its commitment to tackling the issue of financing of terrorism on the continent.
This was made known by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in Accra during the presentation of Open Letters by the Ambassador-Designate of the European Union (EU) to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly.
Madam Ayorkor Botchwey said “Ghana was delisted from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) grey list, highlighting Ghana’s commitment to combatting the financing of terrorism in line with international requirements”.
She courted the support of the EU in terms of investments saying “Ghana remains a favourite destination for investment in Africa, and in this regard, highlighted the political stability, open democratic values, free media and vibrant civil society which Ghana enjoys.
She indicated that “Ghana remains an important Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) destination on the African continent, having been ranked 7 out 54 countries in 2017.”
For his part, the Ambassador-Designate of the European Union (EU) to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, and pledged support to assist Ghana realise her developmental plans for the future.
About the Financial Action Task Force.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.
The inter-governmental body sets international standards that aim to prevent these illegal activities and the harm they cause to society.
As a policy-making body, the FATF works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas.
With more than 200 countries and jurisdictions committed to implementing them. The FATF has developed the FATF recommendations, or FATF Standards, which ensure a coordinated global response to prevent organised crime, corruption and terrorism.
They help authorities go after the money of criminals dealing in illegal drugs, human trafficking and other crimes.
The FATF also works to stop funding for weapons of mass destruction.
