The Inter-Government Action Group Against Money laundering In West Africa (GIABA), yesterday concluded its seventh technical commission meeting and 5th AD-HOC Ministerial Committee Meeting at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ebrima Bun Sanneh, Director of National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA), underscored the unity that exists among the West Africa States towards the eradication of money laundering and terrorism. He urged the participants to take the workshop seriously so as to meet their aims and objectives.

For his part, Mr. Ousman Sonko, Secretary of State for the Interior said on behalf of President Yahya Jammeh he is welcoming all the guest to the Smiling Coast of Africa. He said “the hosting of the 7th AD-HOC Ministerial Committee Meeting in The Gambia is significant to the government and the people of The Gambia as part and percel of the international community and peace loving people of the world.”

He further stated that “money laundering from a layman’s point of view is to wash money, which is of course not clean but dirty to enable you hide and disguise the true origin of money it is designed for.” He added that the negative impact of this type of money in our economy is evident to all of us.

“One of the most peculiar and negative consequences of money laundering, ranges from corruption, undermining the control and integrity of political and judical system, as well as the stability and prosperity of national and international financial system,” he concluded.

Remie Sannu also expressed similar sentiments, noting that he is not surprise for the warm welcome they have received from their Gambian counterparts who are always been kind all over the world.