Former NLA Board Chair Sues MFWA for GHS10m Over Defamation Claim

Former Board Chairman of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Gary Nimako Marfo, has dragged the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to court over what he describes as a defamatory publication concerning the NLA’s dealings with KGL Technology Limited.

The writ of summons, filed at the High Court in Accra on September 30, 2025, also lists journalist Seth J. Bokpe of The Fourth Estate, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA, William Nlanjerbor Jalulah, and Philip Teye Agbove as defendants.

Mr. Nimako is demanding GHS10 million in compensatory damages, a public apology, and a retraction of the article with equal prominence. He argues that the report, which featured his image and carried the headline suggesting that the NLA “gave away GHS3 billion in exchange for peanuts,” was defamatory, malicious, and intended to tarnish his reputation as well as that of former board members.

The Fourth Estate’s publication, under the MFWA umbrella, alleged that the NLA handed over a GHS3 billion revenue stream to KGL Technology Limited in return for only GHS170 million annually. The story sparked significant public debate and criticism of the Authority’s operations.

However, Mr. Nimako insists the claims are false and misleading. His reliefs include:

1. A declaration that the publication is defamatory;

2. A declaration that it was published without justification;

3. A ruling that it sought to incite public disaffection against him and others;

4. An order for GHS10 million in damages;

5. A directive for a retraction and public apology;

6. Coverage of legal costs.

The plaintiff is being represented by Marfo & Associates, with service of the writ to be effected directly on the defendants.

Meanwhile, former NLA Director-General, Samuel Awuku, has also disputed The Fourth Estate’s findings. He described the report as “lopsided,” arguing that it ignored the positive impact of the NLA’s Good Causes Foundation.

Awuku admitted the Authority supported high-profile events such as the EMY Awards and Ghana CEO Summit but stressed these made up only 5% of the Foundation’s budget. According to him, such sponsorships were strategic marketing investments to strengthen the Caritas Lottery Platform and attract corporate partnerships, while most funds were directed toward social impact projects.

The case is expected to test the balance between investigative journalism and the rights of individuals and institutions to protect their reputations.