By: Miracle Seer
Galliness Hotel, Bo City –
On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, in a pivotal step toward fortifying the integrity of Sierra Leone’s financial system, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, convened key stakeholders for a high-level consultation on the development of a National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Strategy.
Held at the Galliness Hotel in Bo, the meeting brought together representatives from government ministries, regulatory bodies, law enforcement agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The gathering underscored the government’s resolute commitment to combating financial crimes that threaten national security, economic stability, and Sierra Leone’s international standing.
Delivering the keynote address, Alpha Sesay Esq. emphasized the urgency of crafting a strong and cohesive national strategy. “The development of a comprehensive and effective National AML/CFT Strategy is not merely a compliance requirement. It is a fundamental necessity for building a resilient and prosperous Sierra Leone.” he noted.
He warned of the detrimental impact of illicit financial flows, which undermine development, erode public trust, and enable organized crime. “We are gathered here today with a shared understanding that money laundering and terrorist financing are real threats to our institutions and national progress. This meeting reaffirms our collective responsibility to build a strong and responsive AML/CFT/PF regime,” he said.
The forthcoming strategy, he explained, will provide a clear roadmap for national action—enhancing inter-agency coordination, setting key priorities, and aligning with international standards, particularly those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Such alignment, he added, is critical to boosting Sierra Leone’s international credibility and attracting legitimate investment.
Commending law enforcement agencies for their ongoing efforts, the Attorney General reaffirmed the government’s readiness to intensify prosecutions under the AML/CFT/PF framework. “We are prepared to continue with prosecutions and will be developing a data-driven and strategic approach to support this commitment. I urge law enforcement to stay vigilant, identify emerging trends, and adapt to new criminal typologies.”
He stressed that the strategy must be forward-looking, adaptable to global trends, and responsive to the evolving tactics of financial criminals. “Criminals move with time. We cannot expect an effective AML/CFT/PF regime unless we address contemporary challenges and confront emerging criminal disciplines head-on,” he cautioned.
Looking ahead, Alpha Sesay Esq. expressedd optimism about the next steps. “It is my hope that within the next 48 hours here in the city of Sweet Bo, we will identify both the visible and hidden gaps in our AML/CFT/PF regime and propose concrete, actionable solutions. Together, we can make Sierra Leone a safer and more financially secure nation.”
The meeting marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s governance and reform journey, sending a strong message: the fight against financial crime is a national priority and a shared responsibility.