GIABA ORGANISES SEMINAR FOR ECOWAS RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVES
The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is organising a 2–day seminar for ECOWAS Resident Representatives of all member States from 17 – 18 July 2025 in Accra, Ghana.
The objective of the seminar is to equip Resident Representatives with the knowledge, strategies, and networks necessary to become proactive actors in promoting AML/CFT reforms, supporting mutual evaluation processes, facilitating technical cooperation, and strengthening national AML/CFT frameworks in the region.
Furthermore, the seminar aims to build strategic alliances for effective implementation and follow-up of FATF Standards, and identify practical actions Resident Representatives can undertake to champion AML/CFT reforms and stakeholder collaboration in their respective countries.
Additionally, the seminar will go a long way to enhance knowledge of international, regional, and national AML/CFT/PF frameworks and GIABA’s mandate. It will also identify practical actions Resident Representatives can undertake to champion AML/CFT reforms and stakeholder collaboration in their respective countries.
The themes to be covered during the seminar include: an overview of GIABA mandates, conceptual Issues and the adverse impacts of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation in West Africa, overview of the FATF Standards (Recommendations and Interpretive Notes), the outcome of the 2nd Round Mutual Evaluation and the GIABA 3rd Round of Mutual Evaluation Calendar and the Role of Resident Representatives in fostering GIABA’s Mandate in ECOWAS member States, amongst others.
At the end of the seminar, the following outcomes were expected:
Ø increased awareness among ECOWAS Resident Representatives on their strategic role in supporting AML/CFT implementation.
Ø improved coordination between GIABA and ECOWAS Resident Representatives.
Ø identify country-specific and regional challenges, and practical recommendations for enhanced AML/CFT advocacy.
Ø cooperation towards a strengthened commitment to support national reforms and resource mobilization aligned with GIABA’s objectives.
GIABA continues to engage stakeholders in all strata of society to combat money laundering, terrorism, and proliferation financing.