The National Lottery Authority (NLA) of Ghana is facing a massive revenue drain, losing nearly GH¢1 billion (approximately $130 million) annually due to the operations of illegal lottery operators.
Sammy Awuku, the Director General of the NLA, brought this issue to light during his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, where he underscored the severity of the problem and the challenges in combating it.
Awuku revealed that illegal operators dominate a significant portion of the lottery market in Ghana, controlling about 55% of the industry, which is valued at GH¢1.8 billion annually. With roughly 780 unauthorized lotto businesses identified across the country, the NLA’s ability to generate revenue is severely hampered.
These illegal operators not only siphon off potential earnings but also avoid paying taxes, depriving the government of much-needed funds.
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The NLA chief highlighted that political interference has been a major obstacle in the fight against these unauthorized operations. Many of these illegal operators have affiliations with the two main political parties in Ghana, making enforcement efforts complicated.
Awuku stressed the need for a bipartisan approach to tackle the issue effectively, urging political leaders to prioritize national interest over partisan concerns.
“In the Supreme Court decision, they asked the NLA to be fair and transparent in their regulation, but we also need to be resolute in our actions against illegal operators,” Awuku stated. He noted that pleas and pressure from political figures have often hindered the NLA’s efforts to clamp down on these operators, but he affirmed that the NLA is committed to standing firm in its enforcement measures.
The NLA has vowed to intensify its efforts to root out illegal lottery activities and ensure that only licensed operators are allowed to conduct business in the sector. Awuku called for greater support from both sides of the political spectrum to address what he termed “the biggest monster in the room.”
As the NLA steps up its crackdown on unauthorized lottery businesses, the focus will be on strengthening regulation, improving transparency, and ensuring that the state recovers the revenue it has been losing to illegal operators. Awuku’s call for a united front against this issue highlights the broader challenges of governance and the need for collective action to safeguard the nation’s resources.
