The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering In West Africa (GIABA) has engaged religious leaders and institutions on anti-money laundering /counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and on the role they are to play against its perpetuation.
Speaking at the two-day event, the director general of GIABA, Edwin Harris, called on the religious leaders to take action and pledge to contribute their quota as religious and opinion leaders towards building a better society.
He warned against the rise in illicit income-generating crimes like corruption and working for terrorists, for which he called on religious leaders to speak to their congregations.
“You will agree with me that the increase in illicit income-generating crimes (known as predicate offences of money laundering), such as corruption, kidnapping, human and drug trafficking, amongst others, in our part of the world is worrisome.
“This is in addition to the high level of violent extremism and the obvious challenges associated with these vices.
“It is therefore important to engage and utilize the tremendous influence of religious leaders and institutions in addressing some of the ills ravaging our society.
“Thus, this programme is a clarion call on all of us to play our roles in ensuring a peaceful, secured and economically viable nation and region at large through the instrumentality of religion”, he stated.
He further described this as the key reason why GIABA decided to invite eminent religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence, describing their voices as very necessary against violent extremism, terrorism, corruption, trafficking, kidnapping and other predicate offences.
He also reminded them that they must not only be heard but must be seen leading the way through action and exemplary lifestyles.
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