Chase clean lotto money …Akufo-Addo tells NLA @ 60

President Nana Akufo-Addo has tasked the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to ensure the highest possible levels of transparency and integrity so as to further win the confidence of persons who patronize their games and services.

“I commend the NLA for its sustained efforts at maintaining this national endevour especially for the sense of commitment to fulfilling the obligation embedded in the National Lotto Act to take care of the needy, the aged, orphans and the destitute.

“Giving back to society through your good causes foundation compliments the efforts of government in the development of our country and it is worthy of emulation by others,” President Akufo-Addo noted in his address to climax over the weekend to climax a year-long of activities to commemorate the NLA’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

He continued: “as an institution tasked with revenue generation, I will implore you to ensure that you exercise the highest form of transparency and integrity in the conduct of your draws to uphold the confidence that the public continues to have in you.

“The onus to achieve this does not only lie in your ability to generate revenue for government and give back to society, but more importantly, in ensuring that the Ghanaians who play your lottery games receive a true reflection of the daily results published,” Akufo-Addo added.

He reminded the Authority of its Corporate Social Responsibility of catering for the needy and less privileged in society, emphasizing that partnering with government in this regard is critical.
“Your sustained efforts at maintaining this national endeavor especially for the sense of commitment to fulfilling the obligation is embedded in the National Lotto Act to take care of the needy, the aged, orphans and the destitute”

President Akufo-Addo also tasked the NLA to be transparent in its draws to maintain its integrity held over the years. He believes it is the best way to keep its credibility in the gaming industry.

The Director General of the NLA Mr. Samuel Awuku on his part is optimistic of a brighter future for the NLA with new reforms in line with its operations to achieve the desired result

“We are excited about this new phase and of what the future holds as we forge ahead in our journey. We believe there will be bigger hurdles to cross and while we acknowledge the work that lies ahead, we remain resolute with a renewed commitment to do much better for out cherished patrons”, he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the World Lottery Association (WLA), Madam Rebecca Paul has revealed that Ninety-Two Billion Dollars ($92 Billion) from lottery proceeds globally were channeled to Good Causes.

She indicated that the stated amount was spent last year alone being contributions of the various lottery bodies across the globe.

Speaking at the climax of the 60th anniversary celebration of Ghana Lottery Authority (NLA) which she was in attendance with other executives of the WLA, Madam Rebecca Paul underscored the significance of Good Causes.

“I am happy to tell you that we spent Ninety-Two Billion Dollars in last year alone raised by Lotteries across the globe for Good Causes”, she revealed.

The WLA President is however worried about the proliferation of illegal lotto operations she disclosed is hampering the objectives of Lottery bodies honouring their corporate social responsibility through Good Causes.

“The biggest detriment to that is happening is illegal gaming. They contribute to Good Causes, they don’t pay taxes, they don’t follow the same rules all of us do in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility. The World Lottery Association is working on how to prevent Illegal gaming across the globe. All of you here in Ghana should be very pleased with the amount of money raised for health, for education and sports”, she disclosed.

It would be recalled that at this year’s World Lottery Summit held at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, it was uncovered that illegal lottery activities which according to the Association caused loss of revenue of a total of 1.8 trillion dollars in 2022 alone.