GP engages journalists, CSOs on asset recovery, illicit financial flows

The event, held at Metzy seeks to deepen the expertise of media practitioners and civil society leaders in addressing the complex challenges of asset recovery and illicit financial flows. 

At the opening ceremony, Marr Nyang, Executive Director of GP, revealed that these issues are complex and burning and that is why they want to equip media practitioners and CSOs to be able to report and advocate efficiently.

“This training is very timely considering what is currently going on in the country regarding the sale of the former president’s assets. These revelations show that there is need for more capacity building to be able to hold authorities accountable.” he said.

The initiative, he added, also seeks to equip key actors with the analytical tools and strategic insight necessary to investigate, report on, and advocate around financial misconduct.

“And also explore the broader development implications of illicit capital movement and the legal and institutional frameworks essential for recovering misappropriated assets.”

Annetta B.V Mahoney, Programs Manager, Gambia Participates, expressed optimism that the knowledge to be gain at the event would go a long way in helping them in their line of work.

“Because what we see in the Gambia is, there is still a lack of individuals doing in-depth investigations on matters surrounding corruption, illicit financial flows, and asset recovery. So, I believe that this particular training will help increase the capacity of especially journalists but also increase the level of advocacy for civil society on the matters surrounding illicit financial flows and asset recovery in the Gambia.”

She enjoined participants to share the knowledge at the forum with their colleagues and to help increase advocacy in communities.

Miss Awa Macalo, a reporter from The Republic and participant, thanked the organisers for the opportunity and assured efficient implementation of the knowledge gained in my reporting.