Ghana is actively reviewing the contract between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and KGL Technology Limited. This review aims to secure improved fiscal returns for the State from lottery operations. President John Dramani Mahama issued a directive for this comprehensive examination and potential renegotiation.
The presidential directive specifically targets the contract's legal basis, financial terms, and revenue-sharing arrangements. It also scrutinizes fees, commissions, exclusivity provisions, liabilities, transparency, and audit rights. The primary objective is to maximize the economic benefit Ghana receives from its lottery industry.
This initiative fits into a broader national effort to enhance public finance management and accountability. Previous discussions have highlighted concerns about how much revenue from such partnerships ultimately reaches the taxpayer. The current NLA-KGL structure is under scrutiny for potentially limiting the state's direct financial gain.
Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the NLA Director-General, confirmed in April 2026 that the review committee completed its work. He stated that negotiations are ongoing, particularly to improve the State’s share of the revenue. This process represents a significant opportunity for systemic improvement.
A key proposal under consideration involves amending the law to allow KGL, or similar private lottery partners, to pay statutory or contractual sums directly into the Consolidated Fund. Alternatively, payments could go into a dedicated National Lottery Fund managed by the Minister for Finance. This change would give the government greater visibility over generated revenue and strengthen fiscal accountability.
Currently, KGL reportedly pays substantial sums to the NLA. However, only a portion of this money subsequently reaches the Consolidated Fund. For instance, the NLA reportedly transferred GHS 10 million to the Consolidated Fund out of approximately GHS 173 million paid by KGL. This disparity raises questions about the efficiency of the current payment architecture.
The NLA, established under the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722), regulates, supervises, and manages national lottery activities. Section 2(2) designates the NLA as responsible for conducting the National Lotto. Section 4(1) prohibits any entity other than the NLA from operating lotteries. While the NLA has significant operational and regulatory duties, its role in managing public revenue is now being re-evaluated.
The current system requires KGL to pay the NLA first. The NLA then uses these funds to cover its operational, regulatory, and administrative expenditures before transferring any remainder to the Consolidated Fund. This indirect route means a large payment from a private partner can result in a much smaller amount reaching the state's central treasury.
The ongoing presidential review is crucial for achieving both a better commercial deal and a more effective system. If a renegotiated agreement establishes a new revenue-sharing structure, the relevant legislation must be amended to support it. This ensures the outcome has proper legal effect and is sustainable.
If the State’s share is to flow directly to the Consolidated Fund, the law must provide a clear legal basis for this. Similarly, any changes to the NLA’s role must be reflected in legislation. Without these legal reforms, Ghana risks implementing a new contract under an outdated legal framework, leading to reform in appearance but not in substance.
This proposed restructuring of the payment mechanism is not merely an external suggestion. It is reportedly a concept being considered within the review process itself. Ensuring the State receives its agreed share directly is a central aim of these discussions.