GIABA Engages Religious Leaders in Ghana to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing

By Samuel Asamoah 

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is organizing a two-day National Sensitization Workshop for Religious Leaders and Institutions on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) from October 21 to 22, 2025, at the Accra City Hotel.

The initiative, which brings together faith leaders from across Ghana, aims to raise awareness on the crucial role of religious institutions in preventing money laundering, terrorist financing, and violent extremism. It also seeks to strengthen collaboration between faith-based organizations, government agencies, and civil society to promote peace, transparency, and national security.

In a statement issued by Timothy Melaye, Acting Principal Officer at GIABA’s Communication and Advocacy Unit, the organization emphasized that religious leaders are central to the fight against financial crimes and extremist ideologies.

“The fight against money laundering and terrorist financing is a shared responsibility. Religious leaders influence moral and social behavior and can help communities reject criminal and extremist practices,” the statement said.

GIABA, a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noted that religious institutions play a pivotal role in shaping values, promoting integrity, and safeguarding their congregations from manipulation by criminal or extremist networks.

The workshop will include expert-led presentations, case studies, and group discussions focusing on the role of faith leaders in detecting suspicious activities, reducing vulnerabilities within religious institutions, and promoting peaceful coexistence. It will also address the risk of terrorist abuse of non-profit and faith-based organizations, urging greater transparency and accountability in their operations.

According to GIABA, engaging faith leaders is part of its broader effort to promote collaboration between state and non-state actors in tackling illicit financial flows. The move aligns with the group’s Strategic Plan (2011–2014), which underscores partnerships with civil society and the private sector to empower citizens to take collective action against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The initiative also echoes the United Nations Secretary-General’s Plan of Action for Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE), which calls on faith and community leaders to mentor vulnerable individuals, counter extremist narratives, and promote tolerance and interfaith understanding.

At the end of the two-day workshop, participants are expected to produce a set of actionable recommendations to guide religious institutions in integrating AML/CFT principles into their internal structures and outreach activities. These outcomes will further Ghana’s national efforts to strengthen financial integrity and prevent the misuse of faith-based platforms for criminal purposes.

GIABA reaffirmed its commitment to building strong partnerships with stakeholders across West Africa to protect the region’s financial systems and promote lasting peace and security.