English-speaking journalists begin workshop on anti-money-laundering

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Journalists from English-speaking West African countries began a two-day sensitization workshop here Thursday on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT).

Organized by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), the workshop is aimed at exposing journalists to the knowledge of AML/CFT framework; assist journalists to produce high-quality reports and articles or features on AML/CFT issues, and to improve the network of journalists who will assist GIABA in disseminating information about the AML/CFT system in West Africa.

The workshop is discussing ‘’the role of GIABA in fighting against Money Laundering in West Africa, the role of media in fighting against Money Laundering, method and technique in investigative journalism, use of new technologies in investigative journalism; building cooperation and reporting inside source of information; forensic reporting; writing investigative features; including practical exercise and case studies’’.

Addressing the opening session, Gambia's Minister of Finance, Abdou Kolley, called on West African journalist to assists their governments in exposing corrupt people and systems in the region.

“We expect you to play your role by reporting issues in a professional manner," he said, adding that money-laundering and terrorism-financing were twin evils that could destroy all efforts by governments to ensure sustainable development.

He said money laundering impairs development of democratic institutions, finance, education, and health, adding that the Gambian government recognized the pivotal role GIABA was playing in safeguarding the economies and financial system of ECOWAS members States from money launderers.

According to him, the workshop came at a time when the Gambian government had stepped up the fight against money laundering and related menaces.

He pointed out that Gambia had introduced of tough anti-money-laundering laws with a view to also countering terrorism financing.

GIABA is the institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) responsible for facilitating the adoption and implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) in West Africa.
-0- PANA MSS/VAO 28June2012