MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Secretary General of the West Africa Association of Public Account Committee (WAAPAC), Rep. Clarence Gahr, has called on ECOWAS member states to treat financial crimes with the same urgency as a pandemic. 

Rep. Gahr stressed that money laundering, corruption, and other illicit financial activities continue to undermine economic growth, weaken public institutions, and deprive citizens of essential development opportunities.

The WAAPAC Secretary General urged member states to strengthen their Public Accounts Committees, reinforce oversight mechanisms, and deepen regional cooperation in the fight against financial crimes.

He emphasized that only through collective commitment, accountability, and effective legislative oversight can West Africa build resilient public institutions and safeguard public resources for future generations.

Rep. Gahr spoke on Wednesday, July 7, 2026, while delivering the opening remarks at a three-day conference organized by the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in Accra, Ghana.