By: SEM on August 3, 2013

http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/archives/59586

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa [GIABA] recently organized an open house forum for youths on Anti–Money Laundering/Counter financing of terrorism [AML/CFT] in Sierra Leone on the theme, “Mobilizing the youths against organized crimes.”  The forum which attracted over 150 young people was staged at the Miatta Conference Centre, Brookfields, Freetown.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of GIABA, Dr Shewun urged listeners to raise their hands up and say ‘’we will not be part of a money laundering group’’.  He further expressed appreciation to all stakeholders in Sierra Leone especially the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) for the support given to them in the event and acknowledged the effort of the Government of Sierra Leone in the fight against graft.

Dr Shewun revealed that, GIABA is a specialized institution of ECOWAS and was established in 2011.  Since its formation, the organization has established a series of programs against money laundering across West Africa, adding that, their responsibility is to ensure that youth capacity is enhanced and to align their interest in good governance.  He pointed out that, money laundering happens only when other crimes have been committed.  Some of these offences include corruption, drug and human trafficking, and migrant smuggling.  In conclusion Dr Shewun expressed concern to better the lives of young people.

Representing the ACC ,Madam Koloneh Sankoh raised that the forum focuses on money laundering and terrorism, which she said destroys not only the national economy but also global economy.  She dilated that money laundering and terrorism disturbs world wide security, tranquillity, and co- existence.  As such, Koloneh said, there is need for close collaboration and partnership to get rid of the menace in our midst.

She intimated that, the fight against misappropriation of public funds must remain a serious concern of young people as the future leaders.  She therefore urged young people to open up their eyes in the fight against money laundering and terrorism in West Africa.  She emphasized how corruption is in the increase and recalled the recent fraud that took place in NRA, EcoBank and in some learning institutions.  She described the battle of corruption as challenging and that the ACC can only be succeeded with collective responsibility.

In fighting corruption Madam Koloneh said the ACC uses a three pronged approach, education, prevention, and confrontation. She urged everyone to raise awareness of the evils of corruption and the gains in having a corrupt free society.

Delivering the key note address, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Feremusu Conteh described the discussion as sensitive and expressed honour for hosting this important forum in Sierra Leone for the first time.  She further described money laundering and terrorism as criminal activities hindering sustainable development of the nation and impeding the development of institutions. She emphasized how His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma recognizes the pivotal role GIABA is playing in combating money laundering and related menaces. “We have recently been promulgating an anti money laundering act”, she noted and continued to state that money laundering deprives the country from real indicators that are made for development. She went on that very recently the ECOWAS region came under terrorism attacks and we are now having training camps for terrorists, giving an example of the Gboko Haram in Nigeria