NLA Staff Petitions Government Over Privatisation
Accra, Ghana - 14 April, 2025 - The Financial and Business Services Employees Union (FBSEU) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) has petitioned the government, accusing private companies of "private capturing" the state-owned lottery business through questionable contracts and licenses, and is demanding urgent intervention to prevent further damage.
In a petition to the Office of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, as well as the newly appointed Director General of the NLA, the union demands an immediate suspension and review of all contracts and licenses granted to Private Lotto Operators (PLOs) over the past six years. These agreements, the union argues, violate the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722).
The union cites a significant decline in NLA's revenue, particularly from its Point of Sale Terminals (POSTs), since PLOs entered the market. They estimate a market share loss of nearly 50% to online platforms and PLOs, resulting in over GH₵250 million in revenue shortfalls between 2017 and 2024. This decline, they claim, has led to widespread job losses among Lotto Marketing Companies (LMCs) that traditionally supported NLA's operations.
KEED Ghana Limited (KGL), operators of the NLA's 5/90 games online, is at the center of the controversy. The union accuses KGL of operating contrary to Act 722, including keeping lottery proceeds in private accounts and withholding critical revenue data from the NLA. The union also questions the previous NLA Board's decision to grant KGL an exclusive 25-year license to operate online lotto.
Other companies cited in the petition include Bluestar Lotto, Alpha Lotto, and Luma Technologies, which the union claims were falsely presented as technical service providers but were given licenses to operate as PLOs. The union warns that unless the government acts swiftly, including reconstituting a new Governing Board with individuals possessing institutional memory, the NLA risks total collapse
Source: Lead News Online
