The Government of Ghana has reiterated its strong commitment to reinforcing the country’s anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) framework, as the on-site phase of Ghana’s Mutual Evaluation officially commenced in Accra.
Speaking at the opening of the assessment, Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, described the Mutual Evaluation as a critical milestone in Ghana’s reform journey, stressing that the exercise goes beyond box-ticking and compliance.
“This process allows us to prove dedication over flawlessness, execution over concepts, and results over promises,” he said, adding that the evaluation represents a moment of accountability and honest self-reflection for the country.
According to the Deputy Minister, Ghana has deliberately embraced a reform-driven approach to financial integrity, treating its National Risk Assessment as a practical decision-making tool rather than an academic exercise. He explained that this approach has guided policy adjustments, institutional reforms and strengthened political commitment to addressing evolving financial crime risks across sectors and borders.
Mr. Ampem Nyarko highlighted several key reforms, including improved high-level coordination through the Inter-Ministerial Committee on AML/CFT, as well as enhanced independence and analytical capacity at the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). He also noted stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies, regulators, supervisors and prosecutors, with a growing focus on measurable outcomes such as investigations, prosecutions, convictions and asset recovery.
He emphasised that AML/CFT has moved beyond being viewed as a purely technical obligation and is now recognised as a strategic economic priority that underpins financial system stability, attracts investment and protects Ghana’s international standing.
“AML/CFT is now understood as a collective national obligation that safeguards our economy and sustains confidence in the financial system,” he stated.
While acknowledging that challenges remain and threats continue to evolve, the Deputy Minister expressed confidence that Ghana has built a resilient and adaptable AML/CFT framework, supported by sustained political will.
He further described the Mutual Evaluation as a collaborative process involving international partners such as GIABA and the wider global AML/CFT community, aimed at improving effectiveness and aligning Ghana’s systems with international best practices.
Mr. Ampem Nyarko concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s determination to combat illicit financial flows, money laundering and terrorist financing not merely to meet international expectations, but to protect the country’s development priorities and secure the future
