The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has rejected allegations of payments and donations involving former Board Trustee Steven Temo.
NGCB Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Imelda Agon in a statement last Friday said the claims circulating on social media were unfounded and baseless, with the Board’s records showing that no such donations were made.
The response comes after PM Marape directed the NGCB to investigate the allegations surrounding the purported payments and donations.
“Our records revealed that these claims are unfounded and baseless. I state on record to the people of Papua New Guinea that there were no such donations,” Ms. Agon said.
Ms. Agon described the allegations as outrageous and urged the public to approach such matters with caution, warning that misinformation can be weaponized by individuals with ulterior motives and political interests aimed at tarnishing the good reputation of the NGCB.
“The NGCB is one of many respected government agencies, a leading revenue generator and one of few top performing entities in the country,” she said.
She said the NGCB’s Community Benefit Fund operates under strict guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability.
Every decision by the Board to donate is made through a stringent funding assessment and acquittal process administered by the Community Benefit Fund Secretariat, she said.
“We stand by our commitment to uphold the highest standards of good governance and accountability,” Ms. Agon said.
“Our focus remains on serving the community with transparency and integrity through Board’s Community Benefit Fund Program and ensure every donation is used for its lawful and intended purpose.”
She said it remains committed to good governance and accountability in the management of its Community Benefit Fund and other responsibilities.