Ghana introduces sticker to clamp down on illegal lottery operators
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) in Ghana has introduced a new sticker system designed to curb illegal lottery operations and clean up the lottery sector. This initiative, carried out in partnership with the Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG), aims to enhance government revenue and ensure that the lottery industry operates transparently and fairly.
The move comes amid broader government reforms designed to reposition the NLA and enhance its ability to fulfil its mandate. Addressing the press in Accra on 26 August 2025, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the Director-General of NLA, emphasised that this measure is part of a larger effort to reform, redirect, and improve the authority’s operations. “As part of the government reforms that we intend to roll out under the new administration led by President John Dramani Mahama, the overall objective is to reform, redirect and improve operations. The NLA must generate substantial revenue for the State, which will be channelled towards national development,” he said.
Identifying licensed vs. illegal operators
The primary purpose of the new sticker system is to clearly identify licensed lottery operators and writers, thereby distinguishing them from those operating illegally. Abdul-Salam explained, “Beginning 1 September, people in the lottery business are expected to sign on to this initiative. This will enable our teams to properly distinguish between those legitimately serving the public and those engaged in illegal sale of lottery. We want to sanitise the system so that all revenues fall into the appropriate accounts for the use of the Republic of Ghana.”
He expressed confidence that the initiative would succeed, provided stakeholders cooperate fully. The National Lotteries Authority, he assured, would continue to enforce the rules strictly. “We will not relent in enforcing the rules,” he added, urging all lotto operators to acquire the sticker and support efforts to enhance the lottery industry.
Call for cooperation from stakeholders
Kwaku Duah Tawiah, the Executive Secretary of Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG), also addressed the gathering, urging present members to embrace the new system and refrain from engaging with unregistered operators. “At long last, the battle has ended. The purpose of the stickers is to identify and weed out illegal operators, agents, and writers. My advice to the writers is that this time, you don’t have to work with any lottery operator who has not duly registered with the NLA. If you do so, you do it at your own risk,” he cautioned.
He further emphasised the importance of private operators supporting the initiative. “Those who have invested heavily in acquiring licences should not allow illegitimate operators to benefit unfairly from their efforts. This is our country, and nobody is going to help us develop it. Any money that goes to the wrong pocket does not help us as a nation. Therefore, I am appealing to all lottery operators to support this process. Those who sabotage it will not get the support of CLAAG,” he added.
Restoring Ghana’s lottery integrity
Andrew Tuah, Head of Operations at NLA, highlighted that the registration of private lotto agents and writers was initially launched in September 2024 but faced delays due to technical issues. “This year, with renewed commitment from the Director-General, we are going ahead to ensure all writers and agents are duly registered so that sanity is restored to the industry,” he stated.
He described the initiative as a “landmark moment” for Ghana’s lottery sector, paving the way for a transparent, reliable, and well-regulated industry that will contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. The new sticker system will serve as a vital tool in fighting illegal lotto operations and promoting integrity in the sector.
