The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has vow to resist political interference in its crackdown of illegal lottery operations
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) of Ghana has revealed that approximately 1 billion Ghana Cedis (about $130 million) of its estimated annual revenue is lost to illegal lottery operators.
According to the NLA, around 780 unauthorized lotto operators have been identified across the country, significantly contributing to the decline in revenue.
Sammy Awuku, Director General of the NLA, testified before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, stating that efforts to curb these unlawful operations have been hindered by political interference.
Mr. Awuku emphasised that addressing this issue requires a bipartisan approach, as many of these illegal operators have affiliations with major political parties in Ghana.
The NLA estimates that the country’s lottery industry is worth around 1.8 billion Ghana Cedis annually, with illegal operators controlling about 55% of the market share.
These unauthorised operators evade taxes and operate without licenses, further complicating efforts to clamp down on their activities.
The NLA has vowed to take a firm stance, refusing to allow unlicensed operators to continue their illegal activities and hindering revenue mobilisation efforts.
Head of co-operate affairs at the NLA Maame Kesewaah Dolphyne said operating illegally in the lottery space will be made unattractive
LISTEN TO THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #Ahotoronline.com
