By: Isaac Amoah/tntnewspapergh.com
A two-day training on illicit financial flows (IFFs) and progressive taxation for journalists in Ghana is being held at Veronique Heights Hotel in Kumasi.
The workshop organised by Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) commenced on Thursday, 29th May and it is expected to end on Friday, 30th May 2025.
MFWA officials, Resource persons in a group photograph with participants
Mr Paul Kofi Gozo, Programme Assistant with MFWA, explained that the workshop forms part of interventions by the MFWA to enhance knowledge, raise awareness and equip journalists with the relevant knowledge and skills needed to effectively report on IFFs, progressive taxation policies and administration, and their impacts on Ghana’s domestic revenue mobilisation.
Mr Paul Kofi Gozo, Programme Assistant with MFW ane Mr Nii Addo
The training is part of MFWA project titled: “Tax for development: Strengthening civil society and media for fiscal justice”. It is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation through OXFAM in Ghana.
The workshop is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of journalists and media practitioners to effectively track and monitor the impact of government policies and how to effectively investigate and report on IFFs in Ghana.
Some scenes from the event
After the workshop, the participants are expected to produce and publish at least one journalistic report on IFFs, progressive taxation policies and mobilisation.
The key resource persons were Mr Edward Cudjoe from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Kumasi and Mr Benaiah Nii Addo, Executive Director of Ghana Taxa Youth Africa, Accra.
Mr. Cudjoe made presentation on: Introduction to IFFs, Legal Frameworks on IFFs (national and international), IFF Case Examples.
Mr.Cudjoe stated that, illicit financial flows are a major challenge for African countries, including Ghana.
According to him,the scale of IFFs has significant negative impact on development, governance,and social stability.
He said effective action requires strong legal framework, cooperation,and improved transparency.
Mr Edward Cudjoe,said
“Addressing iFFs must be priority for journalists, citizens,the Ghanaian government and the international community “,he added.
Besides, Mr Nii Addo made a presentation on: Foundation of Taxation and Domestic Revenue Mobilisation (DRM),IFFs impacts on Women,Gender equity,and socio-economic development,UN Tax Convention.
– Understanding tax avoidance,offshoring and tax Havens in Ghana among others.
Records available indicate that Africa loses approximately $50 billion to IFFs (UNECA, 2015).
The cases of IFFs in Africa include corruption, tax evasion, trade mispricing and the exploitation of natural resources.
