Gov’t launches new anti-money laundering policy to safeguard economy
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to implementing the 2025 to 2029 National Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering the Financing of Proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF) Policy, pledging adequate financial, technical and logistical resources to ensure its success.
Speaking at the launch of the new framework, Dr Forson stressed that the policy is designed to shield Ghana’s financial system from money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and transnational organised crime.
Dr Forson emphasised that effective implementation of the regime would not only strengthen national stability but also contribute to safeguarding the global financial architecture.
“This policy will protect the economy from the scourge of money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and organised crime for the enhancement of national and global economic stability and growth,” he said.
Ghana’s Global Standing
The minister noted that Ghana has consistently demonstrated its determination to combat illicit financial flows, establishing itself as a regional leader in regulatory reforms and institutional strengthening.
He highlighted that the country’s experience has become a reference point in the West African sub-region and beyond, particularly in adopting preventive and detection mechanisms that meet international standards.
Dr Forson stressed that Ghana’s actions are aligned with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework and the work of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), which continue to support member states in identifying and addressing systemic vulnerabilities.
FATF Requirements
The revised FATF Recommendations (2012) require member countries to develop national policies informed by identified risks, reviewed regularly and supported by effective coordination mechanisms.
Dr Forson explained that Ghana’s 2025 to 2029 policy responds directly to these requirements by mandating close collaboration among policymakers, the Financial Intelligence Centre, law enforcement agencies, supervisors and regulators.
He stressed that these institutions must not only share intelligence but also align operational strategies to address the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which remain evolving global threats.
Strengthening Domestic Resilience
According to the minister, the 2025 to 2029 AML/CFT/CPF Policy is designed to address the major vulnerabilities highlighted in Ghana’s National Risk Assessment (NRA) and sectoral risk reviews.
The goal, he said, is to build a robust, risk-based regime that can anticipate threats, respond effectively and maintain public confidence in Ghana’s financial system.
“An effective AML/CFT/CPF regime is the cornerstone of every country’s risk governance,” Dr Forson stated, adding that Ghana is determined to “reduce systemic vulnerabilities while supporting inclusive growth and investor confidence.”
The policy framework, he concluded, represents not just a regulatory obligation but also a developmental priority, positioning Ghana as a resilient and credible partner in the global financial system.
