The Bright Future Alliance (TBFA) has called for stronger accountability mechanisms across Ghana's public and corporate institutions. This youth-led civil society organisation stressed the need for improved governance systems to support sustainable national development. The call was made during the second African Governance and Anti-Corruption Summit held on June 16, 2026, at the British Council in Accra.
The summit, themed “Corporate Institutions and Public Agencies as Pillars of Accountability: Strengthening Governance Systems for Sustainable National Growth,” gathered policymakers, governance practitioners, anti-corruption advocates, and corporate leaders. They discussed practical approaches to strengthening accountability. The event highlighted that corruption remains a significant barrier to Africa's development, eroding public trust, deterring investment, and undermining institutional effectiveness.
This push for greater accountability aligns with Ghana's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and improve its business environment, which are crucial for attracting foreign direct investment and ensuring fiscal discipline. Recent reports from organisations like Transparency International have consistently pointed to the need for more robust anti-corruption measures. Strengthening governance is essential for Ghana to achieve its medium-term economic growth targets and manage its public debt effectively.
Bright Ofori, Executive Director of The Bright Future Alliance, delivered the opening address. He stated that addressing corruption requires a collective effort involving government, businesses, civil society, academia, the media, and citizens. Mr. Ofori also argued that anti-corruption discussions must extend beyond public institutions to include corporate governance, ethical business practices, and compliance within the private sector.
Bismark Aborbi Ayitey, Deputy Director of the Internal Audit Agency, highlighted the importance of effective internal audit systems. He explained that strong internal controls protect public resources and improve institutional governance by preventing financial mismanagement. Mr. Ayitey urged institutions to view internal auditing as a strategic governance tool, not merely a mechanism for identifying wrongdoing. He also stressed the necessity of ethical leadership, asserting that governance frameworks succeed only when leaders demonstrate integrity.
Davis Ansah Opoku, Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee and Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, underscored Parliament’s constitutional responsibility. He noted Parliament's role in ensuring accountability in public expenditure. Mr. Opoku urged citizens, especially young people, to take greater interest in governance processes and actively monitor public institutions. He stressed that transparency in public financial management is critical for sustainable development.
Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, added that the fight against corruption requires more than state enforcement. She noted that public education, citizen participation, whistleblower protection, and collaboration among stakeholders are essential. Ms. Narteh encouraged young people to reject corrupt practices and promote integrity in their communities and workplaces. The summit provided a platform for participants to engage experts on governance reforms and anti-corruption strategies.
The continued organisation of the African Governance and Anti-Corruption Summit reflects The Bright Future Alliance's commitment. It aims to create spaces where young people can engage policymakers and institutional leaders on accountability and national development. Participants reaffirmed that accountability is not just a legal obligation but a foundation for democratic governance, public trust, and long-term economic progress. This sustained focus on integrity is vital for Ghana's economic stability and its standing in the global investment community.