The National Lotteries Authority (NLA Ghana) Foundation, according to former Director-General Samuel Awuku, asserted that approximately 95% of the Foundation’s funds were allocated directly to charitable projects, emphasizing that only a small fraction was used for corporate engagement.

Awuku presented this 95/5 split to address allegations suggesting that the Foundation prioritized “glamorous events” over its core mandate of community support and development. He argued that the sponsorships highlighted by investigative reports from The Fourth Estate represented a minor, yet strategic, part of the overall budget, essential for expanding the Foundation’s revenue base

“These sponsorships, I dare say, may account for approximately 5% of the total, compared to roughly 95% of projects and donations made to save and transform individuals, communities, and institutions,” Awuku stated.

To back up his claim, Awuku provided a comprehensive list of projects organized under the Foundation’s four key pillars: Health, Education, Youth and Sports Development, and Arts and Culture.

The list included various infrastructure initiatives, such as the construction of toilet facilities and the installation of boreholes. It also highlighted high-value medical equipment donations, educational support, and disaster relief efforts for victims of the Appiatse disaster and flooding in the Northern Region.

Awuku insisted that this data clearly demonstrates where the overwhelming majority of the Foundation’s spending has been directed towards meaningful projects that aim to improve the lives of individuals and communities.

This clarification comes at a crucial time as the NLA seeks to uphold its reputation and reaffirm its commitment to social responsibility amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding its financial practices.