By Danlami Nmodu
The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, GIABA is not a law enforcement agency.
This clarification was made Monday in Accra, Ghana by Mr. Timothy Melaye, Manager, GIABA Information Centre,Lagos Nigeria. He spoke while addressing participants at a regional training for Investigative Journalists on Money Laundering and Financial Financial Crimes.The three-day intensive training has participants drawn from ECOWAS subregion.
Melaye noted, specifically, that GIABA’s overall vision is to serve as leaders in forging strategic alliances against transnational crimes.
According to him, money laundering activities have adverse impact on the economy,social, peace, security and political stability of countries.
Addressing, the opening ceremony earlier, Mr. Kwaku Dua, CEO of the FIC, in Ghana who commended GIABA for the training programme urged the participants to take advantage of the training opportunity. Dua who is the Chairman GIABA Technical Commission and Plenary also said it is essential that reports by investigative journalists are accurate. He averred that journalists should not just have sources but they must be reliable sources.
The Ghana FIU boss advised journalists to reveal facts and always take adisinterested position.He believes the workshop will build capacity and explore tools for Investigative Journalists.
Dr Buno Nduka, director, D.E.C. GIABA, who represented Justice Kimelabalou ABA, the Director General, GIABA noted that the presence of journalists shows their interest in the fight against Financial Crimes, while recognizing that the ECOWAS region is going through a difficult period. He said the media has important roles to play in the fight against organised crime.
Topics such as understanding the role of GIABA; theoretical frameworks of investigative journalism; and tools for Investigative Journalists, were thoroughly discussed Monday.
There are 15 member nations of GIABA while Sao Tome and Principe, and Comoros’ Island are observers.The World Bank and IMF are also observers.
