Le Groupe Intergouvernemental d’Action contre le Blanchiment d’Argent en Afrique de l’Ouest (GIABA) is set to organize a regional training workshop in Accra, Ghana. The event will focus on investigative journalism for financial crimes, specifically targeting economic and financial illicit activities that pose significant threats to regional stability and development. This initiative shows GIABA's commitment to strengthening the capacity of media professionals in the fight against financial crime.
Workshop Objectives and Content
The regional workshop in Accra will focus on enhancing investigative journalism skills pertinent to economic and financial crimes. Participants will engage with topics designed to strengthen their capacity to report on complex financial illicit activities, including money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The curriculum is meticulously structured to provide journalists with the necessary tools and knowledge to uncover and report on these sophisticated crimes effectively.
A primary objective of the program is to familiarize attendees with the specific mandate of GIABA, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa. This includes understanding the regional anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) initiatives currently in place across West Africa. The training will also cover essential investigation techniques for both money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF), often referred to collectively as BC/FT. By delving into these techniques, the workshop aims to equip journalists with practical skills for their reporting. Participants from member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) are expected to attend, ensuring a broad regional representation and shared learning experience. This diverse participation is intended to foster a collaborative environment where different regional perspectives on financial crime can be discussed and understood.
Participants and Format
The workshop is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 24, 2026, spanning three intensive days of training and interaction. Approximately forty media professionals are expected to attend the event, bringing together a dedicated group of journalists committed to financial crime reporting. The training will provide a forum for exchanges, discussions, and the sharing of experiences among journalists. This interactive format is designed to facilitate peer learning and the development of a strong professional network. Experienced Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) media experts and staff from GIABA will lead the sessions, offering their specialized knowledge and practical insights to the participants. Their expertise will be key in guiding journalists through the intricacies of financial investigations and reporting.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
The workshop aims to inform media professionals about regional Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) initiatives, according to GIABA. Objectives for the event also include raising awareness of money laundering risks and building an alliance with media for effective dissemination of information. This alliance is seen as critical for public education and deterrence. GIABA intends to revitalize its journalist network and encourage investigative journalism focused on financial and economic crimes. By strengthening this network, GIABA hopes to create a sustained effort in exposing illicit financial flows. For participants, the expected outcomes include an enhanced ability to write articles on AML/CFT subjects and improved reporting on economic and financial crimes. The program also seeks to foster continuous awareness actions regarding the harmful effects of money laundering and terrorist financing, thereby contributing to a more informed public and a stronger regional response against these widespread threats. The ultimate goal is to empower media as a vital partner in the ongoing battle against financial illicit activities in West Africa.