Kumasi: The media must be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively investigate and report on illicit financial flows (IFFs) and all forms of corruption to promote good governance and accountability. Mr. Michael Boadi, Fundraising Manager of Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), the local chapter of Transparency International, who made the call, said journalists must play a critical watchdog role by exposing political corruption and malfeasance within institutions, without fear or favour.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Boadi was speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on IFFs and Beneficial Ownership Transparency held for journalists from the middle belt of the country in Kumasi. The workshop, organised by the GII, aimed to build the capacity of media personnel to uncover and report on illicit financial activities.
The training formed part of a project titled ‘Illicit Financial Flows Reduced and Domestic Resource Mobilisation Increased in Targeted Countries.’ It is being funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through the Global Financial Integrity (GFI) initiative. Participants were trained in methods for promoting transparency and accountability and key strategies for combating corruption.
They were also introduced to techniques for investigating financial flows, identifying sources, gathering evidence, and protecting whistleblowers. IFFs involve the illegal movement of money or assets across international borders and include activities such as tax evasion and money laundering. The workshop highlighted the importance of using data analysis to uncover IFFs while minimising harm and ensuring transparency.
Mr. Boadi urged journalists to be aware of the risks involved in investigating IFFs, including issues of digital security, physical safety, and the need for legal protection. Mrs. Mary Addah, Executive Director of GII, emphasised that the fight against corruption requires collective effort. She identified IFFs as a growing threat and stressed the importance of gathering solid evidence to tackle the issue.
She further called for stronger action against illegal market activities, terrorism financing, and all forms of exploitation. Media personnel at the event also appealed for adequate protection in their work, especially when investigating sensitive corruption cases.