The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has robustly defended its revenue-generating partnership with KGL Technology Limited, a collaboration that has become the subject of scrutiny and criticism from some factions within Ghana’s political landscape. Chris Bilami, Head of Corporate Communications at the NLA, championed the 10-year agreement, emphasizing its pivotal role in the Authority’s financial stability and operational sustainability. Bilami underscored the transformative impact of the KGL partnership, highlighting the timely payment of staff salaries by the 25th of each month, a stark contrast to previous struggles with meeting financial obligations. He attributed approximately 80% of the NLA’s current revenue stream directly to the KGL collaboration, a figure he asserted could be independently verified by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This partnership, in Bilami’s view, has become the financial lifeline of the NLA, preventing it from succumbing to the pressures of operational costs and ensuring its continued functionality.
Bilami’s staunch defense comes in response to escalating calls from certain elements within the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the termination of the KGL contract. He dismissed these demands as unfounded and stemming from misinformation, attributing them to disgruntled lotto marketers and a segment of NLA staff. Bilami firmly maintained that the contract is yielding positive results, negating any need for review or cancellation. He even addressed the speculative link between KGL and former President Nana Addo, stating that irrespective of ownership, as long as the company is Ghanaian-owned and operates within the legal framework, it deserves support. This highlights the NLA’s perspective that the contract’s merits lie in its operational and financial benefits, rather than political affiliations.
Underlining the current administration’s commitment to economic revitalization, Bilami emphasized their support for all businesses that contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economy, irrespective of political ties. He stressed the importance of thorough investigation and fact-finding before making public pronouncements, urging critics to prioritize national interest over partisan agendas when discussing the KGL contract and its potential extension. This call for objective analysis emphasizes the NLA’s desire to move beyond politically charged rhetoric and focus on the tangible benefits the partnership brings to the nation. Bilami’s defense underscores the NLA’s belief in the KGL partnership as a critical driver of its financial health and operational effectiveness, questioning the motives behind calls for its termination and urging a more nuanced and data-driven discussion.
Concurrent with this debate, a new seven-member Governing Board for the NLA was inaugurated, signifying a renewed focus on strategic leadership and policy direction. The inauguration, overseen by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem on behalf of Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, adheres to Section 36 of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722). The board comprises a diverse group of experts and representatives from various sectors, tasked with steering the NLA towards enhanced revenue generation and ensuring compliance with its statutory responsibilities. This new board assumes its duties amidst ongoing discussions about the KGL partnership, highlighting the complex interplay between policy, operations, and political dynamics within the NLA.
The newly appointed board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise from various fields. Mr. Frederick Amissah, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, will chair the board, providing leadership and guidance. The board also includes Mr. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, Director General of the NLA, Mr. Edward Abrokwah, Director of the Revenue Policy Division at the Ministry of Finance, and Ms. Doreen Panyin Annan, representing the Ministry of Interior. Legal expertise is provided by Mrs. Helen Akpene Awo, Solicitor-General and representative of the Attorney General’s Office. Political representation comes from Hon. Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, and Mr. Gerald Baffour Awuah Bonsu, a nominee of the President. This diverse composition reflects an attempt to balance various interests and perspectives within the NLA’s governance structure.
This new board faces the crucial task of navigating the complexities of the NLA’s operations, including the controversial KGL partnership, while simultaneously pursuing its mandate to enhance revenue generation and fulfill its statutory obligations. The board’s decisions will have a significant impact on the NLA’s future and its contribution to national revenue. Their ability to balance competing interests and prioritize the long-term sustainability of the NLA will be critical in the coming years. The concurrent defense of the KGL partnership by the NLA’s Head of Corporate Communications and the inauguration of a new Governing Board creates a dynamic and potentially consequential juncture for the Authority. The board’s composition and its approach to the KGL partnership will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the NLA and its role in Ghana’s economic landscape.
