Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has ordered a comprehensive review of the contract between the National Lottery Authority and KGL Technology Limited. The parties signed the agreement in 2024 amid growing public and institutional scrutiny.
The President also directed officials to renegotiate the agreement to fully protect the public interest. He stressed the need for value for money and strict adherence to existing laws and government policy.
Trigger for the review
President Mahama issued the directive in a letter dated 24 December 2025, sent to the Ministry of Finance and copied to The Ghanaian Times on 11 January 2026. It followed a series of investigative publications by the Fourth Estate during 2025.
Those publications revealed questionable licensing arrangements between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and the KGL Group. The analysis highlighted significant legal, financial, and procedural concerns.
Scope of the contract examination
According to the letter, the review must examine the contract’s legal basis, scope, duration, and financial terms. It must also assess revenue-sharing agreements, fees, commissions, and exclusivity provisions.
Any contingent liabilities to the state must be fully identified and evaluated. The review must determine compliance with the Constitution and applicable statutes. These include the Public Procurement Act and the National Lottery Act.
Governance and oversight concerns
The letter also instructed evaluators to examine performance obligations within the agreement. Reviewers must also examine transparency requirements, data ownership, and audit rights.
Officials must identify clauses that unduly prejudice the state’s interests. Any provisions constraining regulatory oversight are to be clearly flagged. The review aims to strengthen accountability across the lottery sector.
Cooperation and access to records
The directive urged all parties involved to cooperate with the review team. They must provide unfettered access to contracts, addenda, and correspondence.
Financial records and operational data must also be made available. This access is intended to fast-track the review process. The process will continue pending the outcome and recommendations.
Oversight and technical leadership
The Attorney-General will collaborate with the Minister of Finance during the review. The Minister responsible for the Lotteries Authority (NLA) will also be involved.
Together, they will constitute a joint technical team. The team will oversee the entire review process. The team will submit its findings directly to President Mahama.
Possible renegotiation outcomes
“Where the review establishes grounds for renegotiation, the team is to ensure that revised terms secured improved fiscal returns to the state, strengthen governance and accountability, preserve regulatory authority, and align the arrangement with government policy and best international practices,” the statement added.
Background to the licensing deals
In 2024, the NLA signed three separate licensing contracts with the KGL Group. One contract granted a 15-year license for exclusive operations in Ghana.
It covered NLA’s most prized 5/90 lottery online and via USSD mobile short code. The NLA signed two additional contracts for international operations. These were 10-year licenses for Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, respectively.
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