Former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammy Awuku, has issued a public disclaimer following a report by the Fourth Estate that alleged funds meant for Good Causes were “used for glamorous events and other questionable enterprises” during his tenure.
In a detailed statement, Awuku expressed concern over what he described as a misleading portrayal of the NLA Good Causes Foundation’s activities. He said,
“My attention has been drawn to a publication by the Fourth Estate on the above-stated caption, indicating that during my tenure as Director-General of the National Lottery Authority, funds for Good Causes were ‘used for glamorous events and other questionable enterprises’, citing some events that were sponsored but largely remaining silent on the life-saving projects and donations for which the Foundation has become known.”
Awuku referenced the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics, emphasizing the responsibility of journalists to provide accurate and balanced reporting. He remarked,
“Article 1 of the GJA Code of Ethics states that ‘The duty of every journalist is to write and report the truth, bearing in mind his/her duty to serve the public. The public has the right to unbiased, accurate, balanced, and comprehensive information, as well as to express themselves freely through the media. A journalist should make adequate enquiries and cross-check their facts.’
For journalists of the Fourth Estate’s calibre who pride themselves in working in the public interest, I believe it is only appropriate that the publications they produce are factual, balanced, and not misleading.”
Awuku further noted that he had personally granted the Fourth Estate an interview on August 18, 2025, during their coverage of the NLA-KGL and the Good Causes Foundation. He expressed disappointment that the resulting article did not accurately reflect the facts he presented, stating,
“I expected an accurate portrayal of the facts I presented and not a lopsided story that omits the significant impact made by the Foundation.”
He also provided context regarding the inception and work of the Foundation. According to Awuku, the NLA Good Causes Foundation, established in October 2021, succeeded the NLA’s Special Projects Department, which managed corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. He explained,
“Before the establishment of the NLA Good Causes Foundation, the NLA had a Special Projects Department, which was responsible for its corporate social responsibility projects.
The Department was established to identify and pursue sustainable community projects that foster community engagement and partnership with the NLA.
The NLA’s CSR Projects were tailored to ensure regional balance, transparency, respect for stakeholder interests, and adherence to ethical practices, with a focus on Education, Health, Cultural Heritage.”
See below for Sammi Awuku’s disclaimer;
