Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has urged financial intelligence institutions across West Africa to intensify efforts and push for stronger policies to combat money laundering and illicit financial flows within the sub-region.

Speaking at the 2025 Joint Experts Meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in Accra, Mr. Ampem emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration, information sharing, and capacity building among member states.

According to him, the growing complexity of financial crimes demands a coordinated and innovative approach to detect, investigate, and disrupt criminal networks that exploit weaknesses in regional financial systems.

“We must strengthen our institutions, close the regulatory gaps, and foster real-time intelligence sharing among countries in the region,” he said. “This is the only way we can collectively protect our economies and ensure financial integrity.”

The Director General of the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Edwin Harris Jnr., also stressed the importance of cooperation and mutual trust among member countries in addressing money laundering and terrorist financing threats.

“Collaboration is key. No single country can win this fight alone. We must share data, intelligence, and best practices if we are to dismantle the networks behind these illicit activities,” he noted.

The week-long experts meeting brought together financial intelligence units, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and international partners to review progress made in strengthening anti–money laundering frameworks and to chart new strategies for regional action.

The discussions form part of ongoing efforts by West African states to align with global anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards set by the FATF.