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English
21/07/2023 - Promoting tax transparency and combating illicit financial flows took centre stage at a workshop and panel discussion held on 18 July 2023 in Accra, Ghana, under the Support Programme for Tax Transition in West Africa (Programme d'Appui à la Transition Fiscale en Afrique de l'Ouest - PATF). Organised by the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) in collaboration with the Commissions of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and funded by the European Union, the seminar brought together 27 representatives from tax administrations and anti-money laundering (AML) units from 11 ECOWAS Member States and Mauritania, as well as delegates from civil society organisations (CSOs).
Throughout the workshop, experts and practitioners from tax administrations and AML units shared their experiences, successes, and challenges in combating illicit financial flows through Tax Transparency. They highlighted the importance of robust legislative frameworks and effective risk assessment methodologies for the prevention and detection of illicit financial activities. CSOs participated in a panel discussion, providing insights and perspectives on the social and economic consequences of illicit financial flows. Their contributions enriched the discussions and emphasised the need for inclusive approaches that prioritise the welfare of citizens and promote equitable development.
Funded by the European Union, the PATF aims to support the implementation of fiscal transition programmes in West Africa following the implementation of regional trade liberalisation policies. It covers the fifteen member states of the ECOWAS and Mauritania and runs from 2020 to 2023. Under the PATF, the Global Forum and the OECD support the ECOWAS Member States, Mauritania, and the ECOWAS and WAEMU Commissions to enable them to better combat tax evasion and other illicit financial flows to mobilise domestic resources and improve tax transparency.
The Global Forum is the leading multilateral body mandated to ensure that jurisdictions around the world adhere to and effectively implement both the exchange of information on request standard and the standard of automatic exchange of information. These objectives are achieved through a robust monitoring and peer review process. The Global Forum also runs an extensive capacity-building programme to support its members in implementing the standards and help tax authorities make the best use of cross-border information sharing channels.
For more information, please contact gftaxcooperation@oecd.org.
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