The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has launched a new sticker system to eliminate illegal lotto operators and strengthen regulation across Ghana’s lottery sector.
Launching in September
At a press briefing in Accra, Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam announced that the scheme will roll out on 1 September in partnership with the Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG).
The stickers will clearly identify registered operators and writers. As a result, enforcement teams can now distinguish legitimate businesses from those operating outside the law.
Abdul-Salam explained:
“As part of government reforms led by President John Dramani Mahama, the overall objective is to reform, redirect and improve operations. The NLA must generate substantial revenue for the State, which will be channelled towards national development.”
He stressed that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to sanitise the system and ensure lottery revenue reaches official state accounts.
Industry Support and Warnings
Ghana has emerged as a focal point for gaming growth in West Africa. Because of this momentum, regulators are tightening oversight to protect both state revenue and players.
Executive Secretary Kwaku Duah Tawiah emphasised the importance of the sticker system:
“The purpose of the stickers is to weed out illegal operators, agents and writers. Any writer who continues to work with an unregistered operator does so at their own risk.”
Moreover, he urged legitimate businesses to cooperate, warning that sabotage would not receive association backing.
“Any money that goes to the wrong pocket does not help us as a nation. I am appealing to all lottery operators to support this process.”
Renewed Commitment from the NLA
Head of Operations Andrew Tuah noted that the NLA first launched registration of private lotto agents and writers in September 2024. However, technical challenges stalled the process.
He added:
“This year, with renewed commitment from the Director-General, we will ensure all writers and agents are duly registered so that sanity is restored to the industry.”
A Landmark for Regulation
In conclusion, the NLA believes the sticker scheme marks a landmark moment in Ghana’s lottery regulation. With a more transparent and accountable framework, the Authority aims to maximise state revenue, curb illegal activity, and position the sector for sustainable growth.
