Seth Bokpe, an Associate Editor at The Fourth Estate, has critically assessed the explanations offered by Sammy Awuku, the former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), concerning the allocation of funds from the NLA's Good Causes Foundation. Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse on Friday, September 26, Bokpe characterized Mr. Awuku's defence as both belated and legally inconsistent, labeling it as an "afterthought." He recalled that when initially approached for comment, Mr. Awuku stated his efforts were aimed at enabling the Foundation to assist society; however, Bokpe contended that several expenditures failed to comply with the legal framework governing the Foundation's operations.

Mr. Bokpe specifically questioned the justification of certain expenses, highlighting a disparity between the Foundation's mandate to benefit the poor and vulnerable, and the actual spending. He challenged how funds spent on activities such as "Accra in Paris" for a musical concert could be deemed to benefit an orphanage in Osu or Kumasi, or how GH₵2 million allocated to an astroturf in Mr. Awuku's constituency served the poor or mentally afflicted. Furthermore, Bokpe raised concerns about the GH₵200,000 reportedly spent by the Good Causes Foundation on a police post at the Supreme Court, asking how such an expenditure ultimately aids disadvantaged children.

While acknowledging Mr. Awuku's significant achievements in enhancing the NLA's revenue, particularly through the Caritas Lottery which serves as a primary funding source for the Good Causes Foundation, Mr. Bokpe maintained that financial success should not preclude accountability. He credited Mr. Awuku for increasing Caritas Lottery revenue from a mere GH₵100,000, stating, "He’s done a good job with that." Nevertheless, Bokpe firmly asserted that the ability to raise funds successfully does not absolve public officials of responsibility if those funds are subsequently mismanaged. He drew an analogy, stating that it would be akin to ignoring issues of corruption in a developing country just because the government is achieving progress.

Mr. Bokpe's remarks underscore an ongoing public discourse ignited by The Fourth Estate’s investigative report into the NLA’s financial practices and the management of funds under Sammy Awuku’s tenure, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to legal guidelines in public office, irrespective of revenue generation successes.