Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, has called for the immediate termination of what he describes as a monopolistic arrangement in Ghana’s digital lottery space, urging government to restore fairness, transparency, and competition.
In a press statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, Dr. Ayariga welcomed a directive by President John Dramani Mahama to review agreements between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and KGL Technology Limited. He described the move as a critical opportunity to address long-standing concerns over exclusivity in the operation of Ghana’s 5/90 digital lottery.
Dr. Ayariga argued that granting exclusive control of digital and USSD lottery channels to a single private company has effectively created a monopoly that undermines national interest.
According to him, the arrangement restricts competition and innovation, limits opportunities for other Ghanaian businesses, weakens transparency, and raises legal concerns.
“No single private entity should wield such disproportionate control over a national revenue-generating asset,” the statement emphasized.
The APC leader pointed to provisions in the National Lottery Authority Act, which designate the NLA as the sole operator of lotteries in Ghana. He stressed that while private participation is allowed, it must be within clearly defined limits as Lotto Marketing Companies under the Authority’s supervision.
He warned that any agreement transferring operational dominance or financial control to a private entity contradicts both the letter and spirit of the law.
“Ghana cannot afford selective enforcement of its own legal framework,” he stated.
Call for Reforms
Dr. Ayariga is urging government and regulators to take decisive steps to dismantle exclusivity arrangements and open the sector to broader participation.
He proposed a transparent and competitive licensing regime that would allow multiple qualified companies to operate within the digital lottery ecosystem under strict regulatory oversight.
Among the key recommendations outlined are:
- The termination or restructuring of exclusivity clauses
- Enhanced revenue transparency and accountability under NLA supervision
- Equal opportunities for Ghanaian technology firms, investors, and innovators
He maintained that competition is essential for efficiency, innovation, and value creation in the sector.
Revenue and Accountability Concerns
The statement also raised concerns about declining contributions from the lottery sector to the national purse, questioning whether the current structure adequately serves the interests of Ghanaians.
Dr. Ayariga noted that systems lacking transparency and concentrating control risk eroding public trust.
He called for a lottery system that is fair, competitive, transparent, and fully accountable to the public.
Describing the President’s directive as a defining moment, Dr. Ayariga said the ongoing review must go beyond contractual considerations to address systemic imbalances in the sector.
“This is a test of whether national interest will prevail over entrenched advantage,” he stressed.
The APC leader concluded by urging swift action to end monopoly control and enforce existing laws governing the lottery industry.
“The path forward is clear: end monopoly control, enforce the law, and open the sector to fair competition,” he stated.
