NLA must harmonise operations with private lotto companies - Staff union, lotto marketing association
The Association and the member of staff of the NLA have observed with much concerned of the current state of affairs of the National Lottery Authority – NLA.
It is pertinent but sad to state that notwithstanding the huge potentials available to the NLA to work and generate huge sums of revenue to support the economic endeavors of Government, the Authority is rather struggling to generate to pat winning prizes, lotto commission, staff salaries and emoluments etc. This is due to the massive encroachments on a large segment on its market to feed on the flagship product, the 5/90 game. Indeed the 5/90 game is a gold mine for which huge sums of money could be generated from its operation.
This is why we fully lend out total support to the measures being put in place by the current management to under some reforms in a bid to streaming some aspects of its operations.
In doing so we would like to urge the Management to the NLA to take steps to harmonize the operations of the private companies with the NLA. The private companies are also urged not to be recalcitrant and adopt confrontation stance but should bear in mind the Section 4 of the Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722) gives the Authority the sole mandate to operate and regulate lottery in Ghana, and that they are obliged to respect and abide by the rules and regulations, and operate within the parameters set for them. We also appeal to all the parties to refrain from using politics and the media as battle grounds, which has the tendency to not only to inflame passions but also muddy the waters. Rather all the parties should restore to dialogue in resolving contentions if any.
In light of the forgoing, we deem it appropriate to give the following suggestions to the yet to be appointed board and management of the Authority.
1. The NLA should introduce a clear-cut regulatory framework in accordance with the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722) and Lottery Regulations, 2008 (L.I 1948)
2. Review the licensing fees by introducing a realistic rate.
3. In addition to charging the licensing fees, revenue sharing be instituted to ensure fairness and equity.
4. Regular flow of communication be adopted to avoid suspicion, rumors and speculations.
5. Agents and writers of the private lotto companies be levied at the end of every month to generate more income for the NLA. In the case, proper records must be kept to ensure accountability.
6. No Company should have the right to conduct any draws without NLA’s authorization.
ERIC TAMAKLOE
CHAIRMAN
STAFF UNION OF GFL
NLA
NANA YAW QUANSAH
SECRETARY
STAFFUNION OF GFL
NLA
DAN MENSAH
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
ASSOCIATION OF LOTTO MARKETING COMPANIES
NLA
KOFI FRIMPONG
GEN. SECRETARY
ASSOCIATION OF LOTTO MARKETING COMPANIES
NLA
Source: YEN.com.gh