115 Charged for Money Laundering
BY Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Ghana investigated 2,283 forgery cases between 2019 and 2023, with 115 individuals subsequently charged for money laundering (ML), according to the 2025 Anti-Money Laundering Report. The findings underscore the growing nexus between document fraud and financial crimes in the country.
The report revealed that during the same period, there were 147 prosecutions and 25 successful convictions. While the conviction rate remains modest, authorities attribute part of the challenge to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to delays in hearings and trials as courts grappled with lockdowns and social distancing protocols.
However, post-pandemic, Ghana has witnessed an increase in convictions for money laundering linked to forgery, suggesting renewed momentum in clearing outstanding cases and strengthening enforcement.
Strengthening Enforcement and Investigations
To address forgery and related predicate offences, Ghana has intensified efforts within the Ghana Police Service and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). These efforts include the deployment of digital tools such as the biometric National Identification Card (Ghana Card), electronic verification systems for IDs, licenses, and digital addresses.
The report noted that public awareness campaigns, including dedicated programming on Police TV, have also deepened public education on forgery, money laundering, and associated financial crimes. In addition, training in forensic document analysis and digital forensics has been enhanced for investigators, while the financial sector has introduced tighter document security and verification processes to curb fraudulent activities.
Tackling Tax Offences
The report also highlighted the role of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in investigating and prosecuting tax-related offences. Under the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915), tax offences include failure to file returns or pay taxes, providing false or misleading information, obstructing tax officers, and non-compliance with GRA notices.
Other breaches identified include failure to register for taxes, improper record keeping, evasion, and unauthorized access to taxpayer information.
To recover unpaid taxes, the GRA employs enforcement measures such as garnishing bank accounts, seizing assets, and placing liens on properties. These interventions are intended not only to ensure compliance but also to deter deliberate attempts at evading tax obligations.
Outlook
The 2025 Anti-Money Laundering Report concludes that while significant progress has been made, the scale of forgery and related financial crimes remains a concern. It recommends sustained investment in investigative capacity, robust inter-agency collaboration, and continuous public education to safeguard Ghana’s financial integrity and maintain investor confidence.
