Sammi Awuku calls for transparent allocation of lottery funds

Samuel Awuku, former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), has called on the government to establish clear guidelines for the allocation of lottery funds.

Speaking as the only African panelist at the World Lottery Association (WLA) and European Lotteries conference in Spain, he emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the use of proceeds generated by the lottery industry.

Drawing from the success of the NLA’s Good Causes Foundation, Awuku suggested that Ghana adopt a model where lottery funds are earmarked for specific national projects, such as education, healthcare, and youth development, rather than being placed into the general government budget.

“I advocate that we should target these funds towards specific causes like healthcare or education so that the players who contribute know exactly where their money is going,” he explained.

“This way, we ensure that lottery funds are being used effectively to serve the public good,” he added.

Awuku also highlighted the global impact of lottery revenue, with member bodies contributing over $90 billion to good causes worldwide.

“Member bodies alone contributed over $90 billion last year to promote good causes around the world,” he shared.

He used examples from the Great Wall of China and the UK’s Olympic Games to show how lottery funds have supported large-scale national projects.

“Part of the City of Miami was built through the process of lottery. So why can’t Ghana follow that model?” he asked.

Awuku’s call for a more targeted use of lottery funds was complemented by his urging for greater accountability.

“We need to track how much is being collected and ensure it reaches the people it is meant to benefit. The funds should not simply disappear into a general pot,” he stated.

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