The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has introduced a new sticker system to clamp down on illegal lotto operators and sanitise the lottery space.The exercise, which is being undertaken in collaboration with the Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG), is aimed at shoring up state revenue for national development.Speaking at a news conference in Accra yesterday, the Director-General of NLA, Mr Mohammed Abdul-Salam, said the measure formed part of wider government reforms to reposition the Authority and ensure it fulfilled its mandate."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 stated.He explained that the new sticker would serve as a means of identifying licensed lottery operators and writers from illegal ones."Beginning September 1, 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," Mr Abdul-Salam said.He expressed optimism that the initiative would succeed with the cooperation of stakeholders, stressing that the NLA would not relent in enforcing the rules.Mr Abdul-Salam urged all lotto operators to acquire the sticker to help enhance lottery.The Executive Secretary of CLAAG, Mr Kwaku Duah Tawiah, also urged members to embrace the initiative and desist from engaging unregistered operators."At long last, the battle has ended.
