Former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) has dismissed claims that funds meant for the poor and vulnerable under the Authority’s Good Causes Foundation were misused on “glamorous events and questionable enterprises.”
In a statement responding to a Fourth Estate publication, the former NLA boss argued that the report painted a “lopsided” picture and failed to highlight the “life-saving projects and donations” carried out under his leadership.
The Good Causes Foundation, established in October 2021, was designed to channel NLA’s corporate social responsibility efforts into health, education, youth and sports development, and arts and culture.
According to the statement, projects during his tenure included the construction of toilet facilities and mechanized boreholes across all 16 regions, refurbishment of hospitals and schools, scholarships for needy students, and medical outreach programs that benefited thousands.
The statement also highlighted specific interventions such as a neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Ghana Hospital, incubator donations to health facilities, scholarships, sports support for clubs like Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, and cultural sponsorships, including the Hogbetsotso and Homowo festivals.
On the controversial issue of “glamorous expenditures,” the former Director-General acknowledged that the NLA sponsored some high-profile events such as the EMY Awards, Ghana Club 100 Awards, and the Ghana CEO Summit.
However, he insisted these were strategic marketing initiatives that boosted the Caritas Lottery Platform’s revenue from just GH¢100,000 in 2021 to over GH¢11 million by the end of 2024.
He further stressed that less than 5% of total funds went into such sponsorships, with about 95% directly financing community-impact projects.
“It is a falsehood to suggest that awards were bought. The few I received were in recognition of the collective efforts of management and staff,” he said.
The former NLA boss also cited endorsements from the World Lottery Association and commendations from international figures, including former Maltese President Dr. George Vella, as evidence of the Foundation’s credibility.
He concluded by defending his record, stating: “During my tenure, I worked diligently, served with integrity, and left the NLA in a better financial and operational state than I found it.”