In a groundbreaking display of civic leadership and intergenerational dialogue, The Bright Future Alliance (TBFA), led by its Executive Director, Mr. Bright Ofori, hosted the highly successful African Governance and Anti-Corruption Summit 2025 at the University of Ghana. Themed “Breaking the Chains of Corruption: Empowering the Next Generation for a Brighter Tomorrow through Good Governance,” the summit brought together leaders, policymakers, civil society, academic experts, and youth across Africa.
In his address, Mr. Bright Ofori took a strategic view, outlining that fighting corruption must be approached in two major folds: the prosecutorial and the preventive. While prosecuting corrupt officials is important, he stressed that prevention remains the most effective long-term strategy.
“We must start early—educating children in basic schools, universities, and even at home. Creating awareness about corruption from a tender age will shape values, change behaviour, and rebuild our culture from the ground up,” he emphasized.
He called on Ghana and African countries to relook at their national education and civic systems and expressed his organization’s full commitment to championing this shift. “At The Bright Future Alliance, our focus is on building a corruption-resistant generation—before they ever touch public office,” he added.
He also endorsed lifestyle audits for politicians and public officials while challenging citizens to go a step further by embracing social sanctioning—a cultural form of accountability.
“I am also calling for citizens to adopt social sanctioning. It is a strong weapon any serious society uses to control behaviour and enforce norms,” he asserted.
The Special Guest of Honour, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, gave a sobering and inspirational address, acknowledging that corruption is one of the most significant threats to Ghana’s development.
“Corruption is not just about stolen money. It robs us of our dignity; it steals from our hospitals, our schools, our roads, and our future,” he said passionately. “It distorts development, undermines democracy, and deepens inequality.”
The Speaker emphasized that Parliament is not shying away from the fight. As part of its institutional commitment, he announced the creation of two new tools for accountability and recognition: the National Integrity Awards, which will honorindividuals and institutions demonstrating outstanding integrity and transparency in public service, and the Vulture Awards, aimed at exposing the most egregious acts of corruption in governance and public administration.
He said, “Young people are not future leaders—you are already leading today.” He will have young people be part of the team of the two awards schemes and expressed continue support to the youth.
He further praised The Bright Future Alliance (TBFA) and its Executive Director, Mr. Bright Ofori for his bold initiative in organizing the summit, describing it as “timely, relevant, and driven by the very group whose future is most at risk—the youth.” He encouraged young people across the country and continent to continue the fight and support every effort to end corruption.
A speech was delivered on behalf of Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, by the Director of Asset Recovery and Management, Mr. Albert Akurugu, reaffirming the OSP’s mission to pursue accountability at the highest levels. The address called on citizens to support anti-corruption institutions and remain vigilant in protecting the independence of prosecutorial bodies. He further stressed the Office’s work in engaging over 10,000 young Ghanaians through their Youth Against Corruption (YAC) initiative, creating awareness and building anti-corruption champions, and their willingness to continue to work with civil society groups including The Bright Future Alliance (TBFA) for a common cause.
A major highlight of the day was the panel discussion moderated by outstanding journalist Ms. Judith Brown of TV3, which drew widespread attention for its candour and thought-provoking insights. The distinguished panelists included:
• Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah – Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
• Prof. Seidu Alidu – Head, Department of Political Science, University of Ghana
• Mr. Martin Kpebu – Private Legal Practitioner
• Mr. David Hundeyin – Investigative Journalist
• Mr. Bright Ofori – Executive Director of TBFA and Member of the UNODC Youth Advisory Board
Together, they tackled the hard truths about governance failures, institutional corruption, and the need to reimagine civic responsibility. All panelists agreed that corruption must end, calling for urgent reforms and active citizen participation in governance.
Mr. Asiedu Nketiah made a compelling case for a fundamental institutional reform:
“If we are serious about fighting corruption, then we must separate the Office of the Attorney-General from the Ministry of Justice. That is the true path to independence and fairness in prosecution,” he asserted.
He further insisted that leadership is the cornerstone in the anti-corruption battle. “Everything rises and falls on leadership. No amount of policy will work if the leadership lacks the courage and integrity to enforce it.”
In a powerful moment of support, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin joined the executives of The Bright Future Alliance (TBFA) in launching two new anti-corruption initiatives during the summit:
Corporations Against Corruption (CAC):
A nationwide anti-corruption campaign starting with Ghana. CAC targets both public and private corporate institutions. The initiative aims to embed integrity and ethics into the corporate environment by integrating tailored education and training into employee onboarding, promoting sound procurement and business practices, and providing continuous training for existing staff.
Lawyers for Good Causes (L4GC):
An empowering legal initiative that brings together committed legal professionals and attorneys to offer pro bono services to individuals and organizations driving positive social change. L4GC aims to shield changemakers from legal intimidation, ensuring their rights are protected as they advocate for justice, integrity, and meaningful reform.
Closing the summit while talking about the initiatives, Mr. Frank Quaye, the Communications Lead of the Alliance declared:“This is not the end. This is a beginning. We must break the chains of corruption and rebuild a continent that thrives on integrity, fairness, and courage.”
The African Governance and Anti-Corruption Summit 2025 stands as a bold milestone in Africa’s anti-corruption journey—powered by young leaders, endorsed by institutions, and supported by citizens ready to change the course of history.
