The ongoing controversy surrounding the National Lottery Authority (NLA) Good Causes Foundation has escalated into a heated public exchange between investigative journalists and former NLA Director-General Sammi Awuku.
The clash stems from a recent investigative report by The Fourth Estate, which alleged that funds earmarked to support the poor, orphans, and other vulnerable groups were instead diverted to “glamorous events and questionable enterprises.”
Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has hit back at Awuku following his criticisms of the report.
In a sharp rebuttal, Braimah accused the former NLA boss of attempting to discredit their investigative work rather than addressing the core issues raised.
Braimah revealed that Awuku had claimed he was instrumental in arranging his interview with the Fourth Estate, an accountability project under the MFWA, on August 18, an interaction Awuku argued marked the beginning of the outlet’s “coverage on NLA-KGL and the good causes.” But Braimah dismissed this claim outright.
“Laughable. I challenge him to show the public a single story published by The Fourth Estate on NLA-KGL and good causes before the interview with him. Or what is he referring to as the coverage before the interview with him? The interview was at his insistence, indeed!”
Sulemana Braimah
Awuku Defends NLA’s Record
The controversy began after The Fourth Estate published a detailed exposé revealing that large sums intended for social interventions were allegedly misused.
The report cited instances where funds meant for hospitals, orphanages, and poverty alleviation programs were instead spent on lavish events and corporate award ceremonies.
Sammi Awuku, however, strongly rejected these allegations, describing the report as “lopsided” and failing to reflect the NLA’s true impact. He admitted that the Authority did sponsor certain high-profile events, such as the EMY Awards and Ghana CEO Summit.
However, he insisted these sponsorships accounted for only about five percent of the Foundation’s total budget and were part of a broader strategy to market the NLA’s Caritas Lottery Platform and attract corporate partnerships.
“The vast majority of our resources were channeled into life-saving and community-enhancing projects. We built toilet facilities and boreholes in multiple regions, supported hospitals with vital equipment, and funded education and youth development initiatives that benefited thousands.”
Sammi Awuku
Between 2021 and 2024, Awuku claimed, the Caritas Platform’s revenue skyrocketed from just GHS 100,000 to over GHS 11 million.
He cited this growth as proof of the program’s success and its ability to finance critical interventions across health, education, sports, and cultural sectors.
Braimah Questions Awuku’s Claims
Braimah, however, was not convinced by Awuku’s defense. He accused the former NLA head of deflecting attention from allegations of financial mismanagement by boasting about achievements.
According to Braimah, the investigative report was built on extensive research and interviews, contrary to Awuku’s suggestion that the publication lacked balance.
“Does he know the level of diligence that is done before publications? We don’t just publish in the way public funds were shared like toffees in the name of good causes.”
Sulemana Braimah
Braimah went further, questioning how much money was deposited into the Consolidated Fund under Awuku’s leadership compared to previous years.
“Even if it had been improved, was that not the way he was appointed and paid by the state? Which DG is appointed and paid by the state with the responsibility of making an institution worse?”
Sulemana Braimah
He also hinted that more revelations were on the way. “Stay tuned for more,” he said, drawing a parallel with previous scandals, such as the National Service Scheme case, where initial pushback against their reporting later proved unfounded.
Transparency Versus Marketing Strategy
Awuku’s defense rested on his assertion that sponsoring high-profile events was a calculated marketing move. He emphasized that the NLA’s image needed to be elevated to secure partnerships that would ultimately fund good causes.
He also addressed claims that awards received at these events were purchased. According to Awuku, many nominations were declined, and those accepted were meant to recognize the collective efforts of NLA staff.
“The record shows we moved the Authority from losses to profitability, expanded our reach, and touched lives in real, measurable ways. That is the legacy I leave behind.”
Sammi Awuku
Furthermore, he cited the World Lottery Association’s endorsement of lotteries as tools for driving social impact, stressing that the NLA’s operations were fully in line with the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722).
Meanwhile, the escalating war of words between Braimah and Awuku has intensified public scrutiny of the NLA’s operations.
While Awuku insists that the organization’s spending was both legal and strategic, critics argue that any diversion of funds away from the vulnerable groups they were intended to serve is unacceptable.
As Braimah noted, “I thought he was going to deny how he abused public resources in the name of good causes. He claims that under him, NLA did well. Ok. The evidence will show.”
With both sides standing firm, the issue has become a test of transparency and accountability for the government.
Citizens now await further investigative reports that may shed more light on how public resources were managed under Awuku’s tenure.
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