The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics must be strictly adhered to by the media, specifically the Fourth Estate, as called for by Samuel Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North and Director-General of NLA Ghana, when reporting on public officials, state institutions.
In a statement issued on September 2025, Mr. Awuku expressed concern over a recent publication by the Fourth Estate regarding the National Lottery Authority’s (NLA) Good Causes Foundation. He claimed the article misrepresented facts about projects undertaken during his tenure as Director-General, suggesting that funds meant for the underprivileged were diverted to “glamorous events and questionable enterprises.” He noted that the article overlooked many life-saving projects, donations, and community interventions funded by the Foundation.
Mr. Awuku reminded journalists that Article 1 of the GJA Code of Ethics mandates them to provide factual, balanced, and accurate information while cross-checking their facts before publication. “For journalists of the Fourth Estate’s calibre, who pride themselves in working in the public interest, it is crucial that their publications are factual and not misleading,” he stated.
Mr. Awuku elaborated on the NLA Good Causes Foundation, which was established in October 2021 to enhance the Authority’s corporate social responsibility. The Foundation focuses on health, education, youth and sports development, and arts and culture.
During his tenure, the Foundation achieved several milestones, including:
- Building 20-seater toilet facilities with mechanized boreholes in various communities.
- Funding surgery for a baby with spinal bifida.
- Donating incubators and medical supplies to hospitals.
- Constructing a smart laboratory for the Borstal Institute.
- Providing scholarships to needy students.
- Supporting football clubs and cultural festivals.
He noted that the Foundation was funded through the Caritas Lottery Platform, which generated approximately GHS 11 million between October 2021 and December 2024 after its relaunch.
Mr. Awuku dismissed claims that the Authority spent excessively on awards and luxury events, clarifying that sponsorships accounted for only about 5% of expenditures. These sponsorships aimed to attract corporate stakeholders and raise revenue. He added that many award nominations were declined and that any awards received were earned based on the efforts of his management and staff, not purchased.
He also expressed concern over the publication of the names of NLA staff and beneficiaries, including patients, stating that this violated their privacy.
Mr. Awuku concluded by asserting that he served with integrity and successfully turned the NLA from losses into profits. He urged the Fourth Estate and other media organizations to present a full and balanced picture when holding public officials accountable.
