By Issah Olegor
Fresh controversy has hit the National Lottery Authority after leaked documents revealed that funds from the NLA Good Causes Foundation were allegedly disbursed to Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, the Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya and a serving member of the NLA Governing Board, for the organisation of a football tournament in her constituency.
The disclosure has sparked growing public debate over transparency, accountability, and possible conflict of interest within the management of the Authority’s Good Causes Fund, which is intended to support community development, sports promotion, and vulnerable groups across the country.
Leaked Budget Sparks Questions
According to documents available to The Daily Gist and attributed to the NLA, the football tournament project initially carried a proposed budget estimate of GH¢190,790.
The budget covered a wide range of expenses, including honorarium for former football stars, transportation for teams, jerseys, footballs, trophies, medals, security, sanitation, photography, media publicity, packed lunches, venue arrangements, and cash prizes.
However, sources familiar with the transaction insist that while the original proposal exceeded GH¢190,000, the actual amount approved and released by the NLA was around GH¢80,000.
The breakdown of the budget indicates that some expenses had already been paid while others remained outstanding at the time the documents surfaced publicly.
The tournament was reportedly organised as part of sports development activities within the Dome-Kwabenya constituency, where Akurugu has previously been associated with football initiatives aimed at identifying and nurturing local talent
Earlier reports in late 2025 suggested that some players discovered through such competitions had even been sent abroad, including to Turkey, for football trials.
While supporters of the initiative argue that sports competitions contribute positively to youth development and
social engagement, critics contend that the funding arrangement raises ethical concerns because the beneficiary is also a sitting member of the NLA Board.
Conflict Of Interest Concerns Intensify
The matter has become more controversial due to Faustina Akurugu’s dual role as both a lawmaker and a governing board member of the NLA.
Critics argue that the release of funds from an institution on whose board she serves creates the appearance of conflict of interest, even if proper procedures were followed internally.
The controversy has further drawn attention because her husband, reportedly, serves as Director of Investigations and Asset Recovery at the Office of the Special Prosecution (OSP), intensifying public discussions about governance, oversight, and accountability in public institutions.
NLA Good Causes Foundation Under Scrutiny
The latest revelations come at a time when the NLA Good Causes Foundation itself is already facing increased scrutiny from the Ministry of Finance under Cassiel Ato Forson.
The Foundation, which is funded through lottery revenues, was established to channel resources into community development programmes, health support, education, sports, and assistance for disadvantaged groups.
However, recent controversies surrounding the Authority—including allegations involving executive spending, operational allowances, and procurement practices have intensified calls for stricter oversight of how Good Causes funds are allocated and managed.
Attempts To Reach NLA Unsuccessful
Attempts were made to obtain an official response from the NLA regarding the alleged disbursement and the concerns surrounding it. However, no formal response had been received.
The silence from the Authority has fueled further speculation and criticism on social media, where leaked payment documents and budget estimates continue to generate debate.
Public Demands for Transparency
Meanwhile, Governance advocates and sections of the public are now demanding full disclosure on the criteria used in approving the funding, whether board approval procedures were followed, and whether the transaction complied with public sector ethics regulations.
