In a candid conversation with Public Gaming International, Member of Parliament and former Director General of Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammi Awuku, reflected on his continued commitment to lottery-related public policy, even after transitioning from the NLA to Parliament.
“After serving three and a half years as Director General of the NLA, I have become quite passionate about issues concerning the lottery,” Awuku told Paul Jason of PGI.
While his title may have changed, his focus has not. As he puts it, the lottery in Ghana is more than a game—it’s a vehicle for national development.
Awuku noted that the NLA plays a crucial role in Ghana’s socioeconomic structure, channeling proceeds into the consolidated fund that supports education, housing, and health. Now positioned within the legislative arm of government, he believes he is uniquely placed to advocate for reforms that will maximize the lottery’s impact.
“My current position puts me in an even stronger position to strategically advocate for reforms and influence the shape of public policy in ways that benefit the people of Ghana,” he said.
One of the major reforms he plans to champion involves redirecting lottery proceeds to high-impact sectors such as health, education, and youth development.
He also proposed allocating funds toward social protection programs for the elderly, people living with disabilities, and marginalized communities—suggesting that some proceeds could even be added to the District Assemblies Common Fund to support MPs in executing measurable development projects in their constituencies.
“If properly streamlined, we can do more with lottery proceeds in Ghana,” Awuku emphasized.
