By Dominic Hlordzi
A three-day Regional Roundtable Forum on Transnational Organized Crime Risk for Women in West Africa being organized by the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA and ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, has opened in Accra.
Participants will deliberate on the impact of money laundering, terrorist financing, and general transnational organized crimes and how to combat them in the region.
In an opening remark, GIABA National Correspondent and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Intelligence Centre in Ghana, Kwaku Dua underscored the need for stakeholders to build synergies and work together in the fight against Transnational Organized Crimes.
Citing the three main UN protocols against transnational organized crime, he encouraged countries to apply themselves to dictates of the convention and endeavour to find solutions to sustainably mitigating the crimes.
“These frameworks continue to help in investigating and prosecuting cases especially those involving women and children.”
Mr. Dua said Ghana has committed itself to enacting the needed legal frameworks, strengthening institutions to join the world in combating Transnational Organized Crimes.
In a speech read on behalf of the Director-General GIABA, Ag. Director in charge of the GIABA’s Evaluation and Compliance Directorate Dr. Jeffrey Isima,
mentioned strengthening regional cooperation, improving financial transparency, and empowering women through education and economic opportunities as critical steps in combating the threats posed by Transnational Organized Crimes.
He noted that the effects of money laundering and organised crime on women are significant and efforts must be made by key actors to fight the operations of the perpetrators.
Dr. Isima explained that, it is not enough to jail persons involved in Transnational Organized Crimes, saying their ill gotten resources should equally be confiscated to serve as deferent to others.
He emphasized the need for citizens not to allow politicians who acquired money through Transnational Organized Crimes to take over the governance of their countries or become financiers of politicians because that will not be good for the development their countries.
He explained that the Forum is timely to promote and create awareness about financial crimes and their impact on vulnerable groups particularly women.
Dr. Isima, said if women understand the issues relating to illicit financing and Transnational Organized Crimes they will be empowered to play their natural roles in the fight and become forces of prevention of the crimes.
The Commissioner, Human Development and Social Affiars of the ECOWAS Commission also in a message represented by Sandra Oulate Fattoh, Director ECOWAS Gender Development Centre
congratulate Ghana for a peaceful and democratic election in December 7, 2024.
Touching on the topic, she said women as pillars of the family are vulnerable and are often affected when organised Transnational crimes occur.
She urged the participants to discuss ways to mainstream women’s contributions to the fight against Transnational Organized Crimes, stating that nations need
to implement programmes and policies that will help in curbing money laundering and terrorists financing.
“We must all be committed to making sure that women are at the heart of the fight against Transnational Organized Crime.” She stated.
Madam Fattoh encouraged the participants to come out with appropriate solutions to the challenges to the fight against Transnational Organized Crime.
The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection Madam Dakoa Newman in a speech delivered on her behalf commended GIABA for the initiative to educate women to position them to contribute to the fight against Transnational Organized Crime in West Africa.
“It is a great honor and privilege for Ghana to host this all-important Regional Women’s Roundtable Forum that seeks to raise awareness on the risks faced by women in relation to transnational organized crime, including the impacts of money laundering and terrorism financing,” She narrated.
Madam Newman urged all Member States to adequately mainstream gender into policies, strategies and programmes as well as strengthen collaboration between the Security Agencies, Financial Institutions, Youth Organisations and the Ministries responsible for Gender and Family Welfare.
She also encouraged countries in West Africa to reaffirm their commitment to creating stronger partnerships to ensure a more inclusive and equitable society.
