– Prime Minister James Marape has issued a firm directive to all relevant state agencies to work around the clock to prevent Papua New Guinea from being placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by October 2025.

Speaking after convening a high-level meeting in Port Moresby today, Prime Minister Marape said he has given a “no-excuses” directive to the Intergovernmental Taskforce on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF), led by the Chief Secretary, and comprising the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Bank of Papua New Guinea, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Department of Finance, Treasury, Internal Revenue Commission, and other key institutions.

“I gave a very strong charge to this team to bend the midnight oil and ensure we do everything required to avert this grey listing. We have five months – from now until the end of October – and I will not accept any excuse for failure,” Prime Minister Marape said.

He added that responsibility for coordinating efforts has now shifted to the Treasurer, with all key institutions – including the Chief Secretary, Justice Secretary, and heads of relevant agencies – to report directly to him moving forward. “I’ve shifted this task away from the Justice Minister as the political head of this work . Everyone must now report through the Treasurer to drive this process forward. The political will is there – what’s been holding us back are administrative impediments and, frankly, administrative incompetence. That must end now. We cannot afford to delay,” Prime Minister Marape said.

He stressed that the Government had already done its part by delivering critical legislation and institutional reforms since 2019, including the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the passage of the Whistleblowers Act, and amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Act.

“You cannot get any clearer in terms of political will to fight corruption than what we’ve already done. This government passed the ICAC law. We passed the Whistleblowers Act to protect those reporting corruption. We amended the Proceeds of Crime Act to make it compulsory for the State to pursue and confiscate wealth acquired illegally. That clearly shows our commitment to clean governance,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“I cannot tolerate those who are employed by the State to handle these matters being complacent and slow. This work must now move with urgency.”

Prime Minister Marape made it clear that any agency failing to meet its reporting and implementation obligations would be held accountable, adding that by close of business on Tuesday, he had expected a full update on the status of each agency’s work.

“We must identify key milestones, track progress, and prosecute those involved in illegal financial transactions. There can no longer be any room for money laundering in our country,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “Illegal transactions, including those linked to domestic terrorism like gun smuggling in the Highlands, must be investigated thoroughly. The money trail is traceable — follow it.”

He added that Papua New Guinea’s ambition to grow into a K200 billion economy would be undermined if corruption and illicit financial flows continued unchecked.

“There is no economic progress if illegal money continues to circulate. Our financial system must promote genuine trade and transparent, traceable transactions.”

Prime Minister Marape also reaffirmed the moral obligation of government to act, beyond just meeting global compliance standards.

“This is not just about avoiding grey listing. It is about protecting our economy, restoring integrity in governance, and ensuring our people live in a society where hard work is rewarded – not crime.”

He concluded with a direct call to all agencies in attendance — numbering more than 30 — to “work day and night, bend the midnight oil, and get this done by October.”

“I want a country where we are clearly seen to be serious about stamping out money laundering. Let us prove to our people and to the world that Papua New Guinea is committed to clean governance and legitimate economic growth,” Prime Minister Marape said.