Accra: The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is set to hold a two-day national sensitisation seminar for religious leaders and institutions on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) measures in Accra. The seminar, scheduled for October 21st and 22nd, 2025, aims to elevate the awareness of religious leaders about the role of AML/CFT frameworks, particularly GIABA’s mandate.

According to Ghana News Agency, the seminar is expected to establish actionable points to foster peaceful co-existence and enhance AML/CFT efforts. Mr. Timothy Melaye, the Acting Principal Officer for Communication and Advocacy at GIABA, emphasized in a press release that combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) requires a collective approach from all stakeholders to safeguard economies and financial systems from criminal activities.

Mr. Melaye highlighted the significant influence of religious leaders, acknowledging their potential contribution as custodians of faith within communities. He noted that one of GIABA’s core Strategic Goals in the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan was to develop strategic partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and other key stakeholders to increase awareness of ML/TF and empower citizens to take action.

Recognizing the role of religious leaders in Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE), Mr. Melaye mentioned that the United Nations Secretary-General’s Plan of Action on PVE underscores the importance of faith and community leaders mentoring vulnerable followers to reject violent ideologies and to foster tolerance, understanding, and reconciliation between communities.

He stressed that the involvement of religious leaders in the fight against ML/TF is essential for effective and sustainable results, as religious faith can influence attitudinal changes and address community concerns. Religious leaders are encouraged to understand their specific contributions to countering ML and TF, thereby transforming public understanding, attitudes, and standards.

The seminar will cover broad themes such as the role of religious leaders in preventing money laundering and terrorism financing, the risks and vulnerabilities associated with religious organizations, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. It will also address the risk of terrorist abuse in non-profit organizations and promote tolerance and the prevention of violent extremism.

Technical experts and GIABA faculty will deliver the training through presentations, case studies, group work, and sharing sessions. GIABA, a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), was established in 2000 to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa, protecting member states’ economies and financial systems from abuse and crime.