By Mohamed Konneh
A Law student of the University of Abuja, Ms. Amra Salihu, has emerged winner of the 9th Inter-Universities Speech Contest organised by the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). The contest was held on July 22nd, 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Ms. Amra Onize Salihu=Nigeria-Winner
Amra defeated contestants from The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ghana to claim the West African title.
The speech contest was organised by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), on the theme: “The Impact of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) on the Economies of West African States.”
Emmanuella A.K. Amenu-Ghana
The 9th edition speech contest highlighted the critical role of young people in promoting transparency, accountability, and financial integrity across the ECOWAS region.
Amra Onize Salihu of the University of Abuja, Nigeria, was declared the overall winner and was followed by Emmanuella A.K. Amenu of the University of Professional Studies, Ghana, who finished in second position, while Fatmata Binta Bah of the University of Sierra Leone secured third place.
Chris T. Jimmyton of the African Methodist Episcopal University, Liberia, came fourth, and Sohna Mbye of the University of The Gambia went home with fifth position.
Fatmata Binta Bah-Sierra Leone
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor James Russell, Pro Vice-Chancellor, welcoming the audience earlier on described the contest as a timely initiative that encourages informed dialogue on one of West Africa’s most pressing governance challenges.
The Pro Vice Chancellor noted that money laundering and terrorist financing continue to threaten economic growth by weakening public institutions, reducing government revenues, discouraging legitimate investment, and diverting resources needed for healthcare, education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Professor Russell noted that combating financial crime is not the sole responsibility of financial institutions and law enforcement agencies alone but requires the collective efforts of governments, educational institutions, civil society, and citizens as well.
‘’Let me use this occasion to commend GIABA and the Financial Intelligence Unit for creating a platform that enables university students to critically examine issues affecting financial integrity and sustainable development while proposing practical solutions to strengthen regional cooperation,’’ he said.
Chris T. Jimmyton-Liberia
The Pro Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the rich history of the University of Sierra Leone, noting that Fourah Bay College, established in 1827 and widely known as the “Athens of West Africa,” remains committed to academic excellence and leadership development.
The Director General of GIABA, Edwin Harris Jr. was quick to state the importance of engaging young people in the fight against illicit financial flows, describing students as future policymakers, lawyers, financial professionals, and defenders of regional security.
The Director General encouraged the contestants to use the competition as an opportunity to develop innovative ideas capable of strengthening anti-money laundering systems and promoting good governance throughout West Africa.
Sohna Mbye-The Gambia
David N. Borbor, Director General of Sierra Leone’s Financial Intelligence Unit, challenged students to become champions of transparency and integrity in their respective countries.
Mr. Borbor noted that money laundering and terrorist financing undermine economic stability, national security, and sustainable development, stressing that the fight against financial crime requires a whole-of-society approach involving governments, institutions, civil society, and citizens.
He called for an increased public education through workshops, case studies, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement to build stronger national resilience against financial crime.
Mr. Borbor reminded the contestants that they were representing not only their universities but also their countries and families, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.
Representing the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Cyrus Christin Justice Ngegba, Deputy Director of Youth, officially declared the competition open on behalf of the Minister.
He said ethical leadership demands courage, innovation, and accountability, adding that young people are indispensable partners in building a safer, more prosperous, and transparent West Africa.
He commended GIABA and its partners for providing a regional platform that promotes youth participation in advancing financial integrity and expressed hope that the initiative would continue to expand across ECOWAS member states.
Chairman of the Sierra Leone Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on AML/CFT, Sahr Kendema, praised the initiative, describing it as an important avenue for equipping university students with the knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills needed to combat financial crime and strengthen governance across the region.
The contest brought together students from universities in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, alongside government officials, academics, civil society representatives, financial crime experts, and members of the media, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.
Organisers said the annual competition continues to serve as an important platform for raising awareness among young people while promoting innovative solutions that advance transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic development across West Africa.
