Former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has commended the Mahama-led administration for its decision to scrap the controversial betting tax.
In an interview with Adom News’ Parliamentary Correspondent, Ohene Amponsah, Mr. Awuku criticized the tax as ineffective, describing it as a “voluntary tax” that failed to meet its intended objectives.
“I have been consistent with my position under both the Akufo-Addo government and now Mahama’s that the betting and lottery tax is counterproductive and will not help the nation. It is a voluntary tax,” he remarked.
He called on the government to engage stakeholders in the gaming industry to establish specific revenue targets instead of shifting the tax burden onto players. According to him, such an approach risks driving bettors toward illegal operators.
“Government must sit with the stakeholders and set targets for them to pay, rather than passing it on to the player. The tax will make illegal betting operators more attractive to players,” Mr. Awuku cautioned.
He further advocated for stronger incentives for companies adhering to regulations and urged the government to review laws governing the gaming sector. He emphasized the need for stricter penalties for illegal operators, likening such offenses to financial crimes in other jurisdictions.
“It is considered a financial crime in some jurisdictions, so punishments must not be based on the judge’s discretion,” he stressed.
In August 2023, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) introduced a 10% tax on winnings from sports betting and lotteries, sparking widespread backlash. Many critics blamed the NLA for initiating the policy.
However, Mr. Awuku disclosed that during his tenure at the NLA, the authority was not consulted before the tax’s implementation.
The Akuapem North Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku, has expressed optimism that the party will outperform its 2020 electoral results in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
During an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on November 26, Awuku highlighted the party’s strategic preparations and voiced confidence in their potential to exceed expectations.
“The campaign slogan is ‘More of it is possible,’ and I’m not surprised that we’re definitely going to, once again, defy the odds to achieve that target,” he stated.
Sammi Awuku, the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) boss, revealed his ambition to capture 70% of the votes in the Akuapem North constituency.
He highlighted his commitment to a robust grassroots campaign, incorporating door-to-door interactions, community gatherings, and tailored engagements with groups like farmers.
Awuku also underscored the NPP’s focus on progress, emphasizing that the party continues to build on its successes without complacency.
“I am not one of those people who say, ‘Oh, in the heydays, it was 63%, 64%, so I should manage expectations.’ In this election, the NPP is likely to perform even better than we did in 2020, and I kid you not,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) highlighted the profound message the NPP is carrying into the elections and predicted a surprising outcome.
“On December 8, you’ll come back to this studio and say, ‘It looks like something is happening that one may not understand,’” he said with confidence.
Sammi Awuku’s confidence is rooted in the NPP’s proven performance and its resilience in navigating difficult situations.
He highlighted the party’s dedication to tackling voter concerns and implementing policies that create meaningful change.
The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammy Awuku, has revealed that the 10% tax on betting winnings, announced by the government, has not yet been enforced. Despite the mandate given to the NLA to collect this tax, operational challenges have delayed its implementation.
Speaking on Oyerepa TV, Awuku explained that the fragmented nature of the betting industry, particularly the prevalence of illegal markets, has made it difficult to enforce the policy.
“The truth and reality of that is that we haven’t been able to implement it. I am telling you today, we haven’t been able to implement it. As the Director General for National Lottery, I haven’t been able to because first of all we have a very wide system of illegal markets so you don’t even know them for you to go tax them so we had a sit down meeting with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).”
He further explained that discussions are ongoing with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance to establish a framework that will facilitate the effective implementation of the tax policy.
“We haven’t been able to even collect a cedi. As I sit here as the Director General I was written to, to take the 10 percent on tax bettings but I am unable to. I am unable to because the framework is difficult so I haven’t taken anything from people’s bet winnings because we are still in discussions with GRA and Ministry of Finance for the modalities because the truth is we didn’t even know them.”
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) announced that it will begin implementing a 10% withholding tax on all gross gaming winnings from August 15, 2023.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) outlined that this withholding tax will be automatically deducted at the point of pay-out for all betting, games, and lottery wins.
In cases where a game is cancelled and the player’s initial stake is refunded, or if the pay-out amount is equal to or less than the staked amount, the withholding tax will not be applicable.
To facilitate easy monitoring by the revenue authority, lottery operators are required to update their software to display the details of the amount staked, the winnings, and the tax withheld during pay-out.
GRA Commissioner Edward Gyambrah has stated that the new tax is part of efforts to boost domestic revenue collection, noting that Ghana’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains low compared to other countries in the region.
Watch video below:
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭👊🏾🗣️: “Government hasn’t been able to implement the 10% tax policy on betting; we haven’t been able to collect a cedi…” – Sammi Awuku, Director General of the National Lotteries Authority – 📹: @oyerepaofficial
New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate, for the Akuapem North Constituency, Sammy Awuku has donated 120 computers and 600 dual desks to schools and key directorates within his constituency.
The donation, which took place on Monday, September 9th, 2024, is seen as a vital step in enhancing the digital capacity of educational institutions and the operational efficiency of local governance bodies.
The 120 computers have been distributed across the constituency’s 10 senior high schools, the Education Directorate, the Health Directorate, and the Municipal Assembly.
Addressing attendees during the presentation ceremony, Awuku underscored the importance of education and technology in today’s world.
He emphasized that the tools provided were part of his vision to close the technological gap and ensure that both students and public servants are equipped to meet the demands of a fast-changing global environment.
“Education is not just about books anymore. In today’s world, it’s crucial to introduce technology early to our youth so they can compete on the global stage,” Awuku remarked. “I’m committed to ensuring that students in this constituency are not left behind in this digital age. These computers will enhance learning, research, and skills development, preparing our future leaders for the challenges of tomorrow. Additionally, our health, education, and municipal workers will benefit greatly from this, improving efficiency and service delivery.”
The senior high schools in the constituency have long faced challenges related to outdated or insufficient technology, often leaving students at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other regions.
This initiative will help to foster better performance among students, especially as computer-based learning and online research become increasingly important.
In addition to the computers, Awuku also donated 600 dual desks to be distributed among basic schools in the constituency.
One headteacher said, “the provision of these desks is a great relief For years, our schools have struggled with a lack of basic infrastructure, and Sammi Awuku’s donation couldn’t have come at a better time. Our students will now have a more comfortable learning environment, which we believe will enhance their concentration and overall performance.”
The Education Directorate also praised the NPP candidate for his unwavering commitment to education, highlighting that his efforts have consistently prioritized long-term growth and sustainability.
“This donation is not just about today; it’s about securing the future of our children. We are deeply grateful for Mr. Awuku’s forward-thinking approach to education.”
The Health Directorate and Municipal Assembly, both recipients of the computer donations, shared their appreciation as well. The Municipal Chief Executive remarked that the new computers would enhance operational efficiency and allow staff to provide quicker and more effective services to the community. The Health Directorate highlighted that the technology would support better record-keeping and data management, which is increasingly vital as healthcare systems transition to digital platforms.
Awuku’s contributions align with his broader campaign, which has focused on strengthening education, empowering youth, and improving infrastructure. With the parliamentary elections drawing near, political observers view these donations as part of his strategy to show his commitment to meeting the needs of his constituents, particularly in education and governance.
In his concluding statement, Sammi Awuku reiterated his dedication to the constituency, emphasizing that these donations are just the beginning of his larger vision to raise living standards and improve educational opportunities for the younger generation.
“I am passionate about creating a future where every child in this constituency has the opportunity to excel, where public servants have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, and where the community can thrive through better infrastructure and services.”
The donation has garnered widespread approval from both local leaders and community members, with many expressing optimism that such initiatives will extend beyond the election period.
As the race for the 2024 parliamentary seat heats up, Sammi Awuku’s focus on education and improving public services is likely to strike a chord with voters, further solidifying his image as a leader committed to making meaningful, lasting change.
Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mr. Samuel Awuku,has been praised for his outstanding leadership, which has elevated the Authority’s standing globally.
Under his strategic and results-driven management, the NLA has transformed from a loss-making entity into a profitable and esteemed organization within the international lottery sector.
This recognition was voiced by Dr. Martin Amanianpong, the Acting Director of Finance, during an Editors’ Forum hosted by the NLA. Dr. Amanianpong described Mr. Awuku’s dynamic and passionate leadership as unparalleled, playing a crucial role in the Authority’s recent achievements.
“Mr Samuel Awuku’s leadership has been a driving force behind the remarkable turnaround of the NLA. His vision and dedication have not only restored the Authority’s financial health but have also positioned it as a key player on the global stage,” Dr Amanianpong stated.
During Mr. Awuku’s tenure, one of the most notable achievements has been transforming the National Lottery Authority (NLA) from a loss-making entity into a profitable organization.
This financial recovery highlights his strategic leadership and the innovative measures he has implemented to revitalize the Authority’s operations.
Dr. Amanianpong also highlighted another significant achievement under Mr. Awuku’s leadership: the NLA’s attainment of Level 2 Certification in Responsible Gaming.
This internationally recognized certification underscores the Authority’s dedication to ethical practices and social responsibility, reflecting its commitment to upholding industry best practices and prioritizing community well-being.
Additionally, Mr. Awuku’s leadership led to the NLA securing observer member status in the European Lottery Association (ELA), a prestigious global organization that sets standards and promotes collaboration among lottery bodies worldwide.
This recognition not only enhances the NLA’s international credibility but also paves the way for new partnerships and growth opportunities.
The NLA, through Dr. Amanianpong, expressed pride in Mr. Awuku’s accomplishments, acknowledging that his visionary leadership continues to bring significant benefits to the Authority.
The Editors’ Forum provided a platform for the NLA to share its achievements and future plans with the media, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and excellence.
As the NLA builds on these successes, Mr. Awuku’s leadership remains a source of inspiration both within the Authority and across the broader lottery and gaming industry.
His ability to drive results, motivate his team, and reposition the NLA stands as a testament to his exceptional leadership skills.
The forum concluded with a call for continued support from stakeholders as the NLA strives to reach even greater heights under Mr. Awuku’s guidance.
The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Samuel Awuku, has reiterated the Authority’s determination to eliminate illegal lotto operations nationwide.
During an Editors’ Forum in Accra, Mr. Awuku assured the public that the NLA is ramping up efforts to regulate unlicensed operators and ensure all lotto activities adhere to legal standards.
He stressed that the NLA will take all necessary actions to curb illegal operations and warned those involved to legitimize their activities or face strict legal consequences.
“We are taking decisive action to clamp down on illegal lotto operators. The NLA is committed to ensuring that everyone in the industry operates legally and contributes to the development of the sector,” he stated.
Mr. Awuku highlighted the collective efforts of the NLA team in revitalizing the Authority’s brand over the past three years, a period marked by significant achievements. He was honored as CEO of the Year at both the 7th and 8th CEO Summit and Excellence Awards and also received the CEO of the Lottery Award in 2023.
“These awards are not just a personal achievement but a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire NLA team. We have made significant strides in repositioning the NLA as a trustworthy and efficient authority, and we will continue to uphold these standards,” Mr Awuku added.
The Editors’ Forum, which gathered media professionals and stakeholders, served as an opportunity for the NLA to highlight its achievements and present its future plans. It also facilitated discussions on the challenges confronting the lottery industry and the measures the NLA is implementing to tackle them.
The NLA’s efforts to combat illegal lotto operations are part of a larger strategy to strengthen the integrity and sustainability of Ghana’s lottery sector. Mr. Awuku urged the public to support the NLA’s initiatives by reporting any unlawful activities, ensuring that the industry flourishes within a fair and regulated framework.
Director General of the National Lotteries Authority and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Akuapem North Constituency, Sammy Awuku, has set an ambitious goal for the December 7 parliamentary elections.
Mr Awuku aims to secure 70 percent of the total votes, building on the party’s 55 percent win in the 2020 elections under MP Abena Dokua.
Addressing party faithfuls after the Ofie Mega Walk in Akropong, he expressed confidence in the NPP’s strategic planning, which he believes will outmaneuver the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“Today, with the launch of our campaign by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the Akuapem North constituency, we reflect on our 55% parliamentary vote in 2020. As we gear up for the 2024 elections, our focus is on securing 70% of the votes through strategic planning,” he said.
Mr Awuku attributed the NPP’s anticipated victory to their robust strategy, which he claimed the NDC would not comprehend. He praised Dr. Bawumia’s energy and dedication, urging the youth to prioritize their future and prepare psychologically and strategically for the election.
“The NPP’s victory will be driven by our solid strategy, which the NDC will not understand. Dr. Bawumia’s energy and dedication inspire us all. I implore the youth to prioritize their future above any other thing,” Awuku stated.
He further emphasized that the NPP would not be intimidated by the NDC, calling on the youth wing to be ready for the challenges ahead.
“In Salam Mustapha’s Youth Wing, we have a well-oiled, resourced and competent youth machinery to produce victory in 2024. But this election, the youth wing of the NPP must be psychologically prepared and strategically positioned to ensure victory is achieved. I want to tell the NDC, we will not be intimidated,” he asserted.
Awuku assured supporters that the election would be conducted fairly and warned that if the NDC lost, they might take the results to court. Drawing from his own legal experience, he expressed confidence that the results would stand firm.
“This election will be conducted fairly. If they lose, they will, as usual, take it to court. Having experienced contempt proceedings previously, I am well-versed in court matters. Therefore, no one can dispute the results. I want to assure you a vote for Dr. Bawumia is a vote for your future,” Awuku concluded.
The Director General of the National Lottery Authority and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Akuapim South constituency in the Eastern Region, Sammi Awuku, has officially inaugurated the reconstruction of the Mampong Coronation Park.
The renovated facility will feature a FIFA-standard football pitch measuring 96 by 66 meters, along with 400 spectator seats and designated VIP areas for prominent guests, including traditional leaders.
The upgraded park will also include dressing rooms for both home and visiting teams. To facilitate evening matches, four large floodlights will be positioned at each corner of the pitch, and the entire area will be enclosed with panel mesh fencing to enhance security and restrict unauthorized access.
The project, with an estimated cost of around four million Ghana cedis, is anticipated to be completed within three months.
After the ceremony on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Sammi Awuku told reporters that the reconstruction was initiated at the request of local traditional leaders to modernize the facility and enhance recreational options for the Mampong community.
He also encouraged the contractor to stick to the project timeline.
Historically, the Mampong and Sunyani Coronation Parks are among the few football pitches established by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in district capitals to foster football development.
The Okyeame of Mampong noted that the Mampong Coronation Park was used as a training ground for the Black Stars and was the last pitch they trained on before their victory in the 1982 African Cup of Nations.
Former National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Samuel Awuku, has revealed that the government is revisiting the proposed annual levy for carbon emissions from petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.
Awuku acknowledged the importance of promoting eco-friendly technology but highlighted potential challenges in implementing the tax.
Speaking on Adom TV’s morning show, Badwam, he pointed out the lack of charging ports across the country as a significant hurdle, making electric cars impractical.
“Government is reconsidering the emissions tax. While the idea is commendable, practical challenges may arise in implementation. Imported cars often emit emissions, and the absence of charging ports for electric vehicles poses a challenge,” he explained.
Awuku emphasized that driving long distances in an electric car within Ghana is currently unfeasible due to the lack of charging infrastructure. Additionally, he noted that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, plans to alleviate tax burdens if elected president.
“Dr. Bawumia will alleviate most taxes. Yesterday, he outlined his vision, and now we are developing a comprehensive manifesto with relevant stakeholders,” he added.
Information circulating in the media indicates that five names are being considered within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), both among its rank and file and the party’s top hierarchy, for the position of campaign manager in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
In addition to selecting his vice presidential running mate, Dr. Bawumia is urged to appoint a dedicated party loyalist as his Campaign Manager.
The Campaign Manager plays a crucial role in leading the entire campaign and strategizing for success in the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7.
According to Asaase News, there are five individuals under consideration for the position. These include:
Sammy Awuku: Former National Organiser of the party, current parliamentary candidate for the NPP in the Akuapem North Constituency, and serving Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
Sammy Awuku
Dan Botwe: Former General Secretary of the NPP, outgoing Member of Parliament for Okere Constituency, and serving Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development (MLGRD).
Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Hon. Daniel Botwe
Peter Mac Manu: Former National Chairman of the NPP and two-term Campaign Manager for President Akufo-Addo in the 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns.
Peter Mac-Manu
John Boadu: Immediate past General Secretary of the NPP and current Director-General for the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).
Ag. Director General of SIGA, John Boadu
Kwabena Adjei Agyepong: Former General Secretary of the NPP and former spokesperson for President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Ing Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) concluded its internal elections on Saturday, January 27, 2024, by conducting parliamentary primaries in constituencies where the party currently has sitting Members of Parliament. This marks the completion of all internal party activities before the general elections scheduled for December 7.
Following these primaries and other internal processes, the party’s Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is anticipated to announce key individuals who will join him in touring the sixteen regions of the country.
The Vice President is also set to reveal his running mate for the next polls.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammy Awuku, has recounted a distressing encounter involving a deceptive scheme.
He shared his experience of being deceived by a man who falsely claimed that his wife had passed away, manipulating Awuku into contributing money for her funeral.
During an interview on Peace FM in Accra, Awuku explained how the fraudster presented him with a fabricated obituary, supposedly that of his spouse, seeking financial assistance for the burial.
Despite expressing skepticism and requesting additional proof, the Akuapem North NPP parliamentary candidate admitted to falling victim to the scam, contributing funds to what he believed was a legitimate cause.
Months later, Awuku discovered the deception during a conversation with someone acquainted with the fraudster.
“About a month later, I met him and asked why he was no longer in black, just a short period after his wife’s burial. He was with someone, and the person asked him when his wife passed, but he responded he doesn’t have to tell him everything,” Awuku recounted on Peace FM.
The CEO of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) stressed the importance of public figures, particularly those in influential roles, being vigilant when solicited for financial aid, given that they are frequently targeted in such fraudulent schemes.
Sammy Awuku, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Akropong constituency, has shared experiences of politicians being targeted for financial assistance under false pretenses.
According to Mr Awuku, many politicians are approached for financial aid, and while some requests are genuine, others are fraudulent attempts to extract money.
He recounted an incident where an individual sought funds for his wife’s funeral, and Mr Awuku, having been a victim of deception before, asked for proof. The individual provided an obituary as evidence.
He gave in and supported the man, only to find out that he had fabricated his wife’s demise.
“Someone printed a poster of his wife’s obituary, not knowing it was not true. He came to me. I asked when it was because during my time as a youth organizer, people took advantage of me, so I used science and data.
“He was lucky and got to trick me. A month later, I saw him and asked why he was no longer in black, just a short period after his wife’s burial. He was with someone, and the individual asked him when his wife passed. He told his friend that it is not everything I have to tell you.
“I was like, what, your own friend? Later, his friend called and told me that his wife had not passed,” he said.
Member of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, Sammi Awuku has inquired from JoyNews journalist, Emefa Apaw, whether an amount of GHC400 can sway someone’s decision or influence their vote.
His query is aimed at dispelling the notion that funds were distributed by the Vice President’s camp to New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters in order to secure their votes.
Mr Awuku explained that there were individuals who just wanted to see the success of the democratic process, and decided on their own to support a circle of people with food and water.
“So what we did was to assign and locate all these people. But, we said that no matter the support you want to give, please do not go beyond a certain threshold because it cannot be victory procured on the altar of purchase.[Emefa: So the GHc 400 was not influence their vote? Sammy: Not at all. Because you cannot. Sammy asks Emefa : Can 400 influence your vote?] “
Information gathered by the media during Saturday’s presidential primaries had it that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia shared Ghc 400 as transportation and his main contender, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong also gave out Ghc 300 to each delegate.
Meanwhile, an NPP delegate, Sir Collins, has expressed deep frustration and disappointment with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his team. Collins’ discontent arises from the purported provision of what he perceives as a meager GH¢400 to the party’s delegates.
In an interview with GHOne TV, Collins passionately conveyed his dissatisfaction, deeming it an affront that Dr. Bawumia, who aspires to become the party’s flagbearer, offered a modest GH¢400 to the delegates. Collins highlighted the noticeable difference in resources and support, questioning why another contender, Kennedy Agyapong, who allegedly enjoys less support from government appointees and the party’s core members, provided GH¢300.
An irate Collins contended that the GH¢100 disparity between Bawumia and Agyapong’s offers is unacceptable, emphasizing that the vice president should have presented a significantly larger amount.
Member of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, Sammi Awuku has shed light on the fundraising efforts that were employed to compensate delegates during the recently concluded presidential primaries.
He emphasized that it wasn’t solely Vice President Bawumia, but all the candidates established a platform to seek financial contributions from individuals and supporters.
This approach was taken because, as he stated, “no one runs a campaign from their own pocket.”
“Even the nomination forms of the aspirant states that they must be resourceful. Either you have the resources or you must be resourceful for you to be able to help us as a party. These four gentlemen signed up for it. No one runs campaign from their pocket entirely. Not even Donald trump could do it. And that is why all of them launched a fundraising form of activity. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong did, Dr. Bawumia did, Afriyie Akoto did, almost all of the them.
“So that if Emefa Apaw is convinced that may be kojo Opoku can be a good leader for us, may be i am chipping in my Ghc200.00 or Ghc500.00 to support this journey of yours. Many of the funds that I know from Dr. Bawumia’s side was raised through many of these people coming together to help him,” Mr Awuku expressed to the media.
However, information gathered by the media during Saturday’s presidential primaries had it that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia shared Ghc 400 as transportation and his main contender, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong also gave out Ghc 300 to each delegate.
Meanwhile, an NPP delegate, self-identified as Sir Collins, has expressed deep frustration and disappointment with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his team. Collins’ discontent arises from the purported provision of what he perceives as a meager GH¢400 to the party’s delegates.
In an interview with GHOne TV, Collins passionately conveyed his dissatisfaction, deeming it an affront that Dr. Bawumia, who aspires to become the party’s flagbearer, offered a modest GH¢400 to the delegates. Collins highlighted the noticeable difference in resources and support, questioning why another contender, Kennedy Agyapong, who allegedly enjoys less support from government appointees and the party’s core members, provided GH¢300.
An irate Collins contended that the GH¢100 disparity between Bawumia and Agyapong’s offers is unacceptable, emphasizing that the vice president should have presented a significantly larger amount.
The Director-General of the National Lotteries Authority, Sammi Awuku, has expressed his approval of the actions undertaken by the Akufo-Addo administration to rejuvenate the struggling Ghanaian economy. Awuku commends the government’s implementation of significant measures, which he believes will yield positive results in the near future.
During an appearance on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana program on Tuesday, August 22, the former National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party noted that even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been impressed by the country’s economic recovery efforts. Despite acknowledging the current difficulties, Awuku, who now leads the NLA, is optimistic about the days ahead, asserting that brighter times are on the horizon.
Awuku passionately encouraged Ghanaians to rally behind the government’s efforts in order to facilitate the restoration of the economy, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.
“We have to celebrate our modest success story which became the toast of the world. But now post Covid-19, the IMF itself is shocked at Ghana’s economy recovery. It’s been faster than they expected.”
“So these builders of the economy I am confident that they will be able to take us through these difficult moments that we find ourselves,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo received accolades from Mr. Awuku for acknowledging the difficult circumstances in which the nation finds itself.
He claimed that was the sign of a moral and trustworthy leader.
Former National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammi Awuku, has confidently declared that the NPP will emerge winner in the upcoming 2024 presidential polls.
During an interview with Paul Adom Otchere, on Good Evening Ghana, Wednesday August 23, Mr Awuku explained that he had had a rare opportunity in politics to be trained by the communist party in China, while serving as the party’s youth leader.
He has also asserted that he has been trained on how the conservatives operate in the UK, the CDU and the republican party, therefore, he is not oblivious of what goes into campaign works.
Adding that he has what it takes to determine which candidate can deliver on a mandate.
“I believe that when I see candidates who show some of these dexterity and the utility ability to also deliver, I can see. The NPP will secure victory in 2024 and the NDC won’t understand,”
The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) further stated that, he will not rely on any anticipated illegalities by the NPP but “it is important to emphasize that the NPP will win based on strategy.”
You will recall that during Nigeria’s presidential elections in February this year, there was evidence on social media suggesting that Peter Obi was the winner of the election.
But the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) came out at the end of the voting exercise to declare Bola Tinubu as President, which shocked Nigerians and Africans at large.
Several Nigerians expressed disappointment and even embarked on a short lived protest because of the evidence on social media that Peter Obi won.
On the basis of this experience, Mr Awuku emphatically stated that “good candidates don’t win elections, but good and smart candidates win elections.”
” If a candidate is strategic, the candidate knows when to throw the jabs and when to hit the opponent more at the groing, Errm…politics is strategy. I am sure ahead of the NIgeria polls, Social media in Ghana had their own candidate which was “probably Peter Obi”. But the INEC did not declare that.
Supporters of Bawumia have thronged the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) headquarters in Asylum Down as he files his nomination forms today, Friday June 16, 2023.
Key party officials, including former Vice Chairman Fred Oware and former National Organiser Sammy Awuku, collected the forms on behalf of Dr Bawumia earlier last month.
Alan Kyerematen, one of the key contenders, submitted his forms on Monday.
Over the past few months, Dr Bawumia has engaged in extensive consultations regarding his aspiration to contest for the NPP’s flagbearer position.
He held meetings with theMajority Caucus in Parliament, the Party’s Council of Elders, as well as various traditional and religious leaders to announce his intentions to lead the NPP after President Akufo-Addo’s tenure in 2025.
The NPP leadership opened nominations for the Presidential Primaries on May 26, 2023, and the process will close on June 24, 2023.
Currently, ten presidential aspirants, including Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Kennedy Agyapong, Joe Ghartey, and Kwabena Adjei Agyapong, have picked up nomination forms to compete for the NPP’s flagbearer position.
The NPP plans to hold a Special Delegates Congress on August 26, 2023, to select the top five presidential aspirants.
These top five candidates will then compete on December 4, 2023, to secure the party’s flagbearer slot and subsequently lead the party in the 2024 general elections.
Game Park Limited has been licensed by the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to operate lottery in the country.
The Governing Board of the NLA signed on Game Park Limited as a Third Party collaborator on Thursday, April 26, 2023, at a brief ceremony in Accra.
Supreme Ventures Limited, a gaming and entertainment provider in Jamaica and the Caribbean, is the Technical Service Provider of Game Park Limited.
Supreme Ventures Limited has been listed on the Jamaican Stock Exchange since 2006.
It has provided exciting game products and solutions to the market through its extensive distribution network for over 20 years.
The National Lottery Authority says it is excited to partner with Game Park Limited to introduce innovative and exciting games for its patrons while increasing its revenue. The NLA added that Game Park Limited offers great business opportunities through its operations for agents nationwide.
Present at the signing ceremony was the Chairman of the NLA Governing Board, His Eminence. Torgbui Francis Nyonyo, the Director General of the NLA, Mr. Samuel Awuku, several Board Members and Management of the Authority.
The Executive Director of Game Park Limited, Madam Bibi Bright and the Chairman of Supreme Ventures Limited, Mr. Gary Peart, were also present.
Game Park Limited will, in the coming days, launch its game to begin its operations.
An assessment conducted by the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), the Secretariat of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) (Convention Secretariat), WHO and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed that more than 800,000 Ghanaians continue to smoke and every year, tobacco use kills more than 6,700 Ghanaians, with 66 percent of these deaths being premature, among people under the age of 70.
These statistics denote many more Ghanaians are not able to quit tobacco or smoking, in general, irrespective of the rehabilitation and restrictive laws eschewing people from smoking.
It is on this score that the Executive Director of the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation, (ILAPI), Mr. Peter Bismark Kwofie has called on stakeholders in the health sector and policymakers to consciously develop an educative medium-long term gradual approach to reducing tobacco use rather than a short-term radical approach of denying consumers the right to make choices.
“ILAPI as a free enterprise organization that emphasizes freedom and individual liberty, profess other important and evidence-based alternatives to reduce the harm caused by tobacco and subsequently leading to quitting smoking.
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use kills approximately eight (8) million people annually, with more than even (7) million of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
In addition, it causes lung cancer, tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other chronic illnesses.
Experts say the most effective way to prevent tobacco-related deaths is to quit smoking completely, however, addictive smokers are reluctant and unable to quit.
This according to Mr. Bismark Kwofie calls for harm reduction strategies which is crucial as an effective public health solution.
He noted that absolutely quitting the habit of smoking has been quite unsustainable, repressive, and draconian.
Over the past decades, smoke cessation has been promulgated as the best approach to helping combustible smokers to quit. The addictive nature of the nicotine in cigarettes has made quitting smoking a prolonged and difficult process and that, many more smokers are unable to quit.
It is estimated that $115 billion is needed to be invested to help in smoking cessation from 2020–2030. In 2019, the economic cost of tobacco use in Ghana amounted to approximately GH668 million, equivalent to 0.2 percent of the country’s GDP.
The Executive Director of ILAPI is of the view that health workers, social workers, other relevant stakeholders, and policymakers should consider other alternatives which will be less costly and harmful measures to address the consumer choice addiction rate of tobacco.
“In this context, it is crucial to explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) and weigh them against the well-established harmfulness of tobacco use to develop effective strategies for reducing tobacco consumption in Ghana.” He reiterated.
The Executive Director of ILAPI stressed that THR as a public solution recognizes the harm caused by combustible cigarettes and aims to minimize the health impacts of cigarette smoking by encouraging those adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke to switch completely to scientifically substantiated, reduced-risk alternatives ought to be explored in our contemporary society.
Mr. Kwofie thinks that there could be a geo-cultural diversification of solutions to tobacco control but cautioned that the state should conduct and adopt empirically proven techniques as an alternative to reduce harm and death caused by Tobacco whilst not curtailing consumer choice.
“The inhumane and unscientific “Quit or Die” policy should not be reinforced. Instead of putting vapers and consumers at risk, this is a very good opportunity to raise awareness about THR in general, and encourage smokers who cannot quit smoking to adopt it.” He said.
There has been a school of thought of increasing taxes on tobacco products and banning THR products are the best initiatives to prevent people from smoking. But according to the Executive Director of ILAPI, anytime taxes (excise and consumption taxes) on products are high, the rich could buy and the middle-income and poor would engage in smuggling adding to the cost of fighting illicit transactions on tobacco.
“High taxes on tobacco products as means of cessation is not public health,” he retorted
The National Lottery Authority, NLA, in partnership with KGL Technology Limited have collaborated to rake in revenue for the authority and the state.
Both parties are embarking on an aggressive export of NLA games to other West African Countries. The move is to earn royalties and prevent pirating of the games.
Speaking at the media briefing in Accra, Director General of the NLA, Samuel Awuku, said Nigeria will this year pay the NLA 18 million Cedis while Cote d’Ivoire will pay 13 million Cedis for pirating its games.
Mr. Awuku said this year Private Lotto Operators, PLO will pay 1.5 million Cedis for license and additional 500,000 Cedis for the Veterans Administration of Ghana lotto if interested.
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) will soon rake in revenue worth millions of cedis following its partnership with other African countries.
According to the Director-General of the Authority, Sammy Awuku, his outfit will soon receive over GHS 30 million as royalties from Ivory Coast and Nigeria for drawing Games online.
“My initial trips to Ivory Coast and Nigeria would now pay off as both countries will soon pay us royalties of Eighteen Million Ghana Cedis (GHS 18,000,000.00) and Thirteen Million Ghana Cedis (GHS 13,000,000.00) respectively, for drawing our Games online through KGL Group,” he said.
He made the remarks during a presentation at the state of specified entities report briefing, where he highlighted a number of significant gains the NLA has chalked under his leadership.
During the presentation, he mentioned that the Authority has gained global recognition due to some bold steps he took upon assuming office.
“One of the first things we did was together with Management, embark on trips to neighbouring countries like Ivory Coast to find out what they were doing differently to boost their revenue, learn from them and incorporate it into our operations. We noticed that in communities all over the country, there was a project sponsored by proceeds from the lottery, and we sought to implement the same.
“Mr. Dramane Coulibaly, the Director-General of the Loterie Nationale de Côte d’Ivoire (LONACI), also doubles as the President of the African Lotteries Association(ALA). I leveraged this to get the NLA back into the Association after being kicked out a couple of years ago for non-payment of dues and not conforming to some regulations.
“The NLA is now a member of ALA and is working on its Certification for Responsible Gaming. I also visited Nigeria to meet Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, the Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Council, to discuss the payment of royalties to Ghana, since they have been for using our draw Numbers for the past twenty five years.These trips indeed yielded results that I will go into and discuss further when I get to our second achievement, Raising Revenue,” he said.
Additionally, he mentioned that the authority has been able to clear a chunk of its debt, and also raise more revenue.
“I met a debt of about Fifteen million Ghana Cedis (GHS 15,000.000.00) in unpaid wins on the assumption of office. As of now, we have cleared a greater part of the debt and we continue to make efforts together with Management to clear the outstanding debt. We have developed the Instant Pay *389*1000# for players to instantly redeem wins of up to One Thousand Two Hundred Ghana Cedis (GHS 1,2000) after the Draw.
“In partnership with our Corporate Lotto Marketing Companies (LMCs), we have also instituted Prize Payment Centers in our Regional offices nationwide for wins up to Twelve Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 12,000.00),” he added.
The authority has also been keenly supporting society through its Good Causes Foundation which is the charity arm of the Authority, spearheading our Corporate Social Responsibility.
In line with Section 2(3) of the National Lotto Act – stipulates that conduct, as part of the operation of National Lotto, a lottery to provide care and protection for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans, and destitute children, the authority has embarked on Medical Outreaches in various communities such as Korle-Wokon, Somanya and Sunyani; donated Medical Equipment (incubators) to the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in collaboration with the Kokrokoo Foundation and Hope Exchange Hospital in Kumasi, refurbished the Tema Polyclinic Recovery Ward, Koforidua Central Hospital Children’s Ward; provided brilliant but needy students with scholarships; refurbished schools including the Mamfe Presby Primary School, Gonten Primary School and also established an IT Lab in collaboration with Ask Ghana for schools in the Agona West Municipality, among other commendable deeds.
Mr Awuku stated that these projects and initiatives have helped the Authority to improve revenue, rebuild its image and brand, engage better with Internal and External Stakeholders, as well as ensure better cohesion between Staff and Management, Governing Board and Management, etc.
The National Lottery Authority will receive assistance from Malta’s minister for foreign and European affairs as well as trade to help Ghana’s lottery industry become legally compliant.
Dr. Ian Borg stated that his nation will continue to assist the NLA in expanding the lottery sector in this region of the world.
These were made public when he paid the NLA an official visit as part of the Maltese Foreign Affairs Minister’s one-day official working tour to Ghana.
Speaking to the press, the Director-General of the National Lottery Authority, Sammy Awuku mentioned that the visit has a lot of relevance to the operations of the NLA.
He noted that it was the Maltese government that supported Ghana to start the lottery business in the country, therefore the visit by the Foreign Affairs Ministers means a lot to the two countries.
“It means a lot. First of all, they taught us how to even play this lottery and, again, they helped to establish the Department for National Lotteries that today we have the National Lottery Authority.
“Again, they have advanced in the area of this lottery and gaming industry; they’ve had inbuilt systems to ensure responsible gaming, and they’ve also been very strong in eliminating illegalities,” he is quoted to have said by MyJoyOnline.com.
“It was their countryman, William Francis Brennan, who started the business 60 years ago. It was the Maltese government that sent down Brennan, upon a request from the Ghanaian government headed by Doctor Kwame Nkrumah, paid all his allowances, and his salaries for the over 15 months that he was gifted to Ghana. Subsequently, Ghana then normalize their relationship and kept Brenham for almost nine years,” he revealed.
Sammy Awuku said the visit opens up a lot of areas for collaboration between the two countries, and they are looking forward to taking advantage of all the opportunities that will open up.
“So to have their Foreign Affairs Minister, who is their Chief Diplomat and in charge of European and trade affairs, to also pay a visit to the NLA deepens the cooperation that we have, and we’re looking forward to also assisting us to grow properly, and have the checks and balances needed as well,” he said.
The director general of the National Lottery Authority, Sammy Awuku, is confident that resolutions to uphold best practices in the lotteryand gaming industries will be implemented by lottery institutions throughout the world.
According to him, this will protect minors from the game as well as help with responsible advertising.
Speaking to Joy Business on the sidelines of the African Lottery Conference, Mr. Awuku said his outfit is committed to exhibiting best practices in the lottery game.
“Responsible gaming is very important to the development of lottery on the continent and I believe the time to have audacious conversations around the table is now, thus the seminar couldn’t have occurred at a more opportune time. I am hopeful that Director Generals and the leadership of lottery institutions gathered here will be committed to boldly implementing the resolutions that we will arrive at today, to uphold best practices particularly in protecting our minors from the game and in advertising responsibly”.
Mr. Awuku said while generating revenue for national development and giving back to the communities through good causes, all stakeholder should take a keen interest in the lives of the individuals whose stakes bring in the funds, “to enable us to help them”.
He therefore pointed out that formulating responsible gaming policies, setting up an advisory bureau and consistently educating patrons are but a few measures that can be instituted to advance this cause.
For his part, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, said the seminar was very necessary as it provides a platform for a discussion of the fundamentals of responsible gaming as well as for development, evaluation and sustenance of responsible gaming programmes for relevant stakeholders in the gaming fraternity.
“As Ghana’s principal legal adviser, I say that responsible gaming enjoins for development and application of policies and requirements to the gaming industry in a manner that offers a safe user environment and also protects people from the possible negative consequences of gaming. I identify certain elements of responsible gaming”.
He further said that a responsible gaming industry offers protection for the personal data and financial details of the players, thus a reliable iGaming software platform must be created for players to safely deposit, transfer and withdraw money.
He continued that the duty to make gaming responsible and to create a secure environment for participants is a common enterprise for all service providers, online operators and regulators of the industry, adding, “We cannot relent on same. A strict adherence to these principles will avert unnecessary losses”.
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Attais not to blame for the nation’s economic problems, according to Sammi Awuku, director general of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
Mr Awuku believes it is purely coincidental that Ghana’s economic woes have been exacerbated at a time when Mr Ken Ofori-Atta heads the Finance Ministry.
He explained that the Finance Minister is a victim of circumstance because the economy has been hit by COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war; two events that are beyond his control.
“In this world, at times, situations can conspire against you. It may not be your fault, but you will be held responsible. When that time comes, and you access the situation, and you make the best decision out of it. In one of such situations, is what our current finance minister also faces. You have no control over this world economy, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as COVID-19,” Mr Awuku said.
The NLA boss mentioned that it is not out of place for Ghanaians to call for the resignation of Mr Ofori-Atta especially at a time when their wellbeing has been compromised.
He stated that this has been the case whenever economic challenges set in.
According to him, there was a massive call for the head of Seth Terpker, the then Finance Minister in the Mahama-led administration in 2014.
He noted that although the former Finance Minister in his time brought about some economic growth, some members of the National Democratic Congress believed he was unfit to run the economy due to the crisis that hit the economy.
“This isn’t the first time. In May 2014, ‘I am under pressure to fire Seth Terkper’ – Mahama, and then again, Allotey Jacob’s said ‘Zack Terkper’, NDC gurus put pressure on Mahama.”
“‘Non- performing Ministers should be sacked not Seth Terkper’ – Mahama. This means that with Finance Ministers, for one reason or the other, it looks like they aren’t thinking straight,” he said.
In 2014, the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined to 2.86% from 7.31% recorded in the previous year.
The slump was pinned on Seth Terkper, who, according to some NDC members, would be blamed for the party’s downfall in the 2016 general elections.
“Ghanaians are suffering, and he [Seth Terkper] must do something or the President must fire him. He has become a Judas in the party [NDC]. His policies will determine our [NDC] victory or failure in 2016. Seth Terkper is our problem now,” Bernard Allotey Jacobs, then Central Regional Communications Director of the NDC, said.
Mr Awuku therefore holds the assertion that Ghanaians are reacting to current situations and not what may have triggered the challenges they are presently facing.
“Because you are like a coach. When you are winning, you will be given the credit. When you are not winning, we have to sacrifice you,” he observed.
Chants for the Finance Minister’s dismissal have also been sung by some Members of Parliament belonging to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC.
This, Mr Awuku says, is happening because the “MPs are under pressure from their constituents” and not because they are unaware the Minister is not to blame for the challenges being faced.
Amidst calls for the removal of Mr Ofori-Atta from his post, President Akufo-Addo has asked Ghanaians to be patient and allow the minister to complete Ghana’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an economic programme.
On the fate of the Finance Minister, Mr Sammi Awuku is optimistic that the best decision will be taken by the government, which will serve the interests of the country.
“I am confident that the best decision will be taken by the government, Finance Minister, and Members of Parliament. Though we are crying in the rain, this is not a government that hasn’t proved its worth,” he added.
According to the angry Lotto writers, the commission cannot be reduced from the current 30% to 20%, especially during the current economic hardship. They instead called for an increment; that is 40% commission.
They expressed their frustration during a stakeholder meeting with the Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) and the Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG).
The emergency meeting held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the Teachers Hall, was to sensitize and discuss a mode of enforcement of the 20% commission to Writers as directed by NLA.
Some of the Lotto writers, clad in red, held placards with inscriptions such as, “we don’t want any 20% but 40% instead. Sammy Awuku must go. Leave Banker to banker alone. 20% of what, we no go gre. Chop chop money keke,” among others.
Some chanted “we want 40%, we want 40%” adding if the NLA refuses to increase their commission “then nobody should reduce what is due us”.
The Executive Secretary of Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana, Mr Tawiah Duah speaking the aggrieved said, “It has become necessary to convene a meeting between Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA), Private Lotto Operators (PLO), Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG) and Lotto Writers because about a week ago, an announcement was made by GLOA and PLO in the media that effective that day (31st October 2022) commissions paid to lotto writers were reduced from 30% to 2o%.”
“That meant a whopping 10% reduction in their income levels.
Following the implementation of the directive, agitated writers have bemoaned that the move was unfavourable. This situation has therefore resulted in several incidences of near altercations between Lotto Writers and their respective Agents. Several writers outpoured their fury via voice calls, WhatsApp and SMS messages to our offices and Executive Officers demanding nationwide demonstrations against the reduction until such times that will be reversed.” He added.
Mr Tawiah Duah, also asserted that the meeting was to calm writers and to officially inform them that CLAAG has already written to the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to register their grievances about the reduction in commissions.
“It is our hope to seek an amicable solution and of course with the active participation of GLOA,” he noted.
The CLAAG Executive Secretary, however, assured members that if the matter is not resolved by Friday, November 11, 2022, his outfit will again invite members to reconvene and decide on its next line of action.
Meanwhile, present at the meeting were members of Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) to give an ear to the concerns of the Lotto Agents and the Lotto writers.
The Chairman of GLOA, Noah Afonope, assuring the Lotto Agents and Operators said he believes that something good will come out of the meeting with NLA.
Director-General of the National Lottery Association (NLA), Sammy Awuku, was among the dignitaries that graced this year’s World Lottery Summit.
The event was held from October 16 to 20, 2022, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Announcing his participation in the event, the NLA boss also commended the World Lottery Association President, Rebecca Paul, for her exemplary leadership exhibited so far.
“It has been an amazing gathering of all the Industry Players from over 100 countries committed to Responsible Gaming and Good Causes at the World Lottery Summit in Vancouver. Congratulations to President Rebecca Paul and her reelected executives as they continue to steer the affairs of the World Body for another term.
He further announced that the WLA President will grace the occasion to climax the NLA’s 60th anniversary celebration, scheduled to take place from December 7 to 10, this year.
Mr Sammy Awukuconfirmed this on his Facebook wall with pictures of himself, that the WLA President and other dignitaries who attended the World Lottery Summit held in Vancouver.
“The NLA is grateful that for the first time the World Lottery Association President will be visiting Africa to Grace our 60th Anniversary and the African Lotteries Association Conference in Accra in December”, Sammy Awuku said.
The World lottery Summit brought together industry players from over 100 countries across the globe to, amongst other things, take stock of the various member countries’ programmes, regional reports, suspensions, and expulsions from the Association.
The summit is held every two years, but the World Lottery Association could not hold the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Director-General of the NLA, Sammy Awuku, and Dr. George Gyamfi-Osew, the immediate past Director of Operations of the Authority, represented Ghana at the summit.
At this year’s summit, Ghana’s NLA was highly commended for ensuring responsible gaming and pragmatic steps against the illegal lottery.
NLA remains the leader in the lottery business in the sense that it has the legal mandate to regulate the industry. In addition to this autonomous role, the main objective of NLA is to raise revenue to run its affairs and to pay whatever is left to the government to support developmental needs or projects in the country.
Against this background, NLA undoubtedly is a national asset, but this feat did not come with ease. The NLA brand was built with solid integrity as its core value while other values such as respect, excellence, accountability, leadership, and teamwork equally complemented the success story.
The NLA has spread across the sixteen regions in Ghana and continues to expand its tentacles to every nook and cranny. The expansion project is duly on course under the current leadership of Mr Samuel Awuku, the Director General of the authority.
It marked its 60th anniversary in September. However, an event is expected to be held in December to climax the anniversary celebration.
The worrying study has forced the worldwide organization to develop tight guidelines so that it can put more of its attention in the years to come on responsible gaming and charitable purposes.
The association urged member nations to do more to promote responsible gaming and charitable purposes at this year’s World Lottery Summit, which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The WLA has, therefore, asked member countries to promote these values and further tasked lottery bodies in the world to take a firm stance on responsible gaming.
Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) itself has been battling with illegal lottery activities for some time now and determined to increase its clamp down with new measures put in place by the current Director-General.
The NLA over a year ago, launched its charity arm the ‘Good Causes Foundation’, which aims among others, to develop, implement and maintain an integrated action plan.
This is based on four main pillars – education, health, youth and sports development as well as culture.
Ghana at WLA
Ghana is being represented at WLA Summit by the NLA boss, Sammy Awuku and Dr. George Gyamfi-Osew, the immediate past Director of Operations of the Authority.Lottery
The World Lottery Authority (WLA) holds its meetings every two years but could not hold the 2020 event after the Buenos Aires, Argentina meeting held in November 2018, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meetings among other things, take stock of the various member countries’ programs, regional reports, suspension and expulsions from the Association.
Again, it is also to consider new members who meet the criteria and to promote Responsible Gaming and Good Causes within the various Lottery Bodies..
This year’s summit held in Vancouver, British Columbia was attended by over 1,000 delegates from the various continents.
Suspension of Russia and Belarus
This year, two lottery bodies from Russia and Belarus respectively, were suspended by the organization for their government’s role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict which has left many dead.
According to WLA President, Rebecca Paul said since the two countries failed to prove that revenues generated were not being used to fund the war hence they must face the consequences.
The body of nations with over 100 lottery bodies approved the proposal by majority decision with only two members voting ‘No’ and one abstention.
Meanwhile, WLA Members have re-elected the Rebecca Paul execs to serve another four-year term.
Younnes El Mechrafi, who is currently the General Secretary of the African Lottery Association, has also been elected as an Executive Member of the WLA.
Paris, capital of France will host the next World Lottery Summit in 2024.
The National Lotteries Authority (NLA) has launched its 60th anniversary celebration with a colourful event at its headquarters in Accra.
The event which took place on September 29, 2022, saw in attendance dignitaries from within and without the authority, including the NLA’s Director-General, Sammy Awuku, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, among others.
During the event Director-General, Sammy Awuku, highlighted a series of activities that would characterise the celebration of the event which has been scheduled to span three months.
He noted that “the month of October has been dedicated to our cherished customers whom we recognize as our most valued assets. The month of November is slated for our Good Causes project,” and December will be the climax of the events.
He emphasised that November will be a month the Authority will give back to society by commissioning some Projects, in various parts of the country.
“These will be climaxed with a Grand Durbar of the Anniversary Celebration in December, held concurrently with a Conference on Responsible Gaming as we host the African Lotteries Association (ALA),” he said.
History of the NLA
Lottery over the years has immensely contributed to national growth and development. Established in 1962 as the Department of National Lotteries, invited a young man Mr Brennan from Malta to help set up the DNL, which now operates as the National Lottery Authority(NLA), after Act 722 was enacted in 2006.
NLA remains the leader in the lottery business in the sense that it has the legal mandate to regulate the industry. In addition to this autonomous role, the main objective of NLA is to raise revenue to run its affairs, and to pay whatever is left to the government to support developmental needs or projects in the country.
Against this background, NLA undoubtedly is a national asset, but this feat did not come with ease.The NLA brand was built with solid integrity as its core value while other values such as respect, excellence, accountability, leadership, and teamwork equally complemented the success story.
The NLA has its spread across the sixteen regions in Ghana, and continues to expand its tentacles to every nook and cranny. The expansion project is duly on course under the current leadership of Mr Samuel Awuku, the Director General of the authority.
Mr Awuku at the launch of the 60th anniversary celebration noted that after the establishment of the NLA some years ago, NLA can confidently boast of exemplifying its mandate to make all stakeholders ultimate winners.
“It has been 60 Years of generating revenue for national development, 60 years of touching lives, communities, and institutions and 60 years of making our patrons millionaires.”
Although he acknowledged that there are still challenges of his outfit that need to be addressed, he noted that the reforms, policies, and decisions taken by successive Boards and Director-Generals have significantly transformed the institution.
Board Chairman of NLA, Togbe Francis Nyonyo Agboada, was also at the event.
Addressing the gathering at the event, he touted the achievements of the NLA over the years, indicating that “we have successfully licensed some Private Lotto Operators, (PLOs) and look forward to welcoming more on board. The security services together with the NLA task force will continue to clamp down on defaulters to sanitize the lottery industry.
“We are also in the process of signing on some more Collaborators who will introduce some exciting new games for our cherished patrons. By the end of the year, we should take delivery of our modern machines, which purchase was done in accordance with the standards of the World Lottery Association (WLA).”
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah has admonished the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to capitalise on digitalisation to transform the lottery industry in Ghana.
Speaking at the launch of the Authority’s diamond jubilee at its headquarters in Accra, Mr Dame noted that “technology has become an inevitable tool for the corporate world,” hence, his call on the leadership of the NLA to fully utilise the tool to boost its operations.
This, he also believes will help the authority maximise the generation of revenue from its operations. “There must be a deliberate process by management to ensure the modernisation, expansion of the operations of the NLA,” he stressed.
The NLA turned 60 on September 29, 2022. A colorful event where the logo, theme, and anniversary cloth for the anniversary, was launched, was held at the NLA headquarters to commemorate the occasion.
In attendance were dignitaries from within and without the Authority, including the NLA’s partners and key stakeholders, Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, the Attorney General himself among others.
Delivering a solidarity message, Mr Dame, noted that 60 years of existence is no mean feat. He commended the authority for the various successes chalked since its inception and noted that the NLA made lottering attractive in the country.
“NLA gives you and I the opportunity to dream about what we might do if we won the lottery. “Much of the success and popularity of the national lottery can be attributed to the combination of a chance to win and dream and undoubtedly, this has been a huge success with the general populace,” he said.
Mr. Dame further congratulated the current Director-General, Mr Sammy Awuku for his exemplary leadership and the transformation of the NLA under his watch. He noted that “as this organisation continues to take giant strides into the future, I deem it appropriate to record my sincerest admiration for the innovation and creative thinking of the Director-General, the NLA, Mr Awuku.”
“I cannot be mistaken in noting that Mr Awuku’s leadership has seen a fresh injection of ingenuity into the affairs of the NLA. I can only wish him well,” he added. Additionally, he entreated the institution to operate on fairness.
“Participating in the launch of this diamond jubilee, I leave you with these observations; first is that fairness must characterise the operations of this institution and fairness must continue to be the guiding tool,” he said.
Ghana has been gifted with an opportunity to host the first ever African conference on responsible gaming.
This was announced by the Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammy Awuku, at the launch of the diamond jubilee of the NLA.
The conference is part of efforts to foster close ties between African countries in the lottery industry, and also improve operations within the continent.
Addressing the gathering at the launch of the NLA‘s anniversary on September 29, 2022, Mr Awuku noted that the conference “will be held concurrently between December 7 and 10, 2022.”
Stressing on its significance to Ghana, Mr Awuku noted that the conference “will bring to the fore and expose Ghana as well to several delegations from various African countries where the lottery also takes place.”
Ghana is now a member of the African Lottery Association otherwise known as Association des Loteries d’Afrique (ALA). ALA is a branch of the World Lottery Association and a non-profit organization representing the interests of state-authorized lottery and sports betting operators throughout Africa.
The primary mission of the association is to unite public, mixed, and private companies that hold a monopoly, license, or concession from African states for the operation of games of chance, in order to further socio-economic development across the African continent in priority sectors such as education, health, culture, and sport.
Ghana was no longer considered a member due to its inactivity in the operations of the associations. However, due to conversations between the current leadership of the NLA headed by Mr Awuku, Ghana has been readmitted by the African Lottery Association (ALA).
“In Ivory Coast currently, their director-general is the president of (ALA). We made a case to him, they also have to waive off some penalties and charges that have been accumulating because of our inactivity within the body,” Awuku said.
“So, all things being equal we have completed discussions with them regarding the membership of the African Lottery Association, and I am happy to announce that we have been readmitted back into the African Lottery Association,” Mr Awuku said while announcing this in February.
Mr Awuku at the launch of the anniversary was very optimistic about the collaborations between the African countries in the industry yielding positive results.
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) on Thursday, September 29, 2022, will launch the programme outline for its 60th anniversary.
The celebration which will span for three months will be commemorated with a number of interesting activities that will whip up public interest in the NLA’s operations.
Starting from September, the anniversary will reach its climax on December 29, 2022, in Accra, where all director generals of the lottery within the African continent will converge to support and participate in the anniversary celebration.
A statement from NLA indicated that “media people, celebrities, government officials, stakeholders, former director generals, traditional chiefs, among others, have all been invited to grace the occasion.
Lottery and National Development
Lottery over the years has immensely contributed to national growth and development. Established in 1962 as the Department of National Lotteries, invited a young man Mr Brennan from Malta to help set up the DNL, which now operates as the National Lottery Authority(NLA), after Act 722 was enacted in 2006.
NLA remains the leader in the lottery business in the sense that it has the legal mandate to regulate the industry. In addition to this autonomous role, the main objective of NLA is to raise revenue to run its affairs, and to pay whatever is left to the government to support developmental needs or projects in the country.
Against this background, NLA undoubtedly is a national asset, but this feat did not come with ease.The NLA brand was built with solid integrity as its core value while other values such as respect, excellence, accountability, leadership, and teamwork equally complemented the success story.
The NLA has its spread across the sixteen regions in Ghana, and continues to expand its tentacles to every nook and cranny. The expansion project is duly on course under the current leadership of Mr Samuel Awuku, the Director General of the authority.
Success of the NLA
Some successes and gains have been made by the NLA particularly under the current administration headed by Mr Awuku. The successes chalked include unity among staff, payment of huge backlog of unpaid wins, discipline and punctuality at work, introduction of new games, fight against illegal lotto operators,among others.
As part of its social responsibility, the Good Causes Foundation has been established by the Authority with the mandate to carry or reach out to the needy and the destitute in society. It basically operates in four areas namely; education, health,sports, and culture. In the past, what existed was commonly referred to as Special Projects.
The NLA boss believes that the authority, through the foundation, wants to give back to society by offering assistance to the vulnerable, people with disability, and the poor in the country.
Successes chalked under Sammy Awuku
Under Mr Awuku, NLA has been readmitted into African Lottery Association and World Lottery Association, where the authority is expected to restore to its former status as a respected body in the global lottery business.
Challenges
As with all public organisations, the NLA as a state parastatal faces some challenges, but which are surmountable, the Director- General admits.
The foremost challenge is the operation of illegal lotto operators.The operation of these people is giving the NLA boss a sleepless night as their continued activities affect the revenue generation of the authority. They do not pay licence to operate, and take some part of the market of the lotto business.
Another problem is the lotto fraudsters, who use the name of NLA to swindle people and lovers of the game.The authority loses revenue and at the same time creates a bad image for the brand. Linked to this is social media scammers who use Facebook and WhatsApp to trap unsuspecting individuals and promise them winning numbers, which they claim emanate from the strong room of NLA. According to the NLA, no such room exists though.
Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) is engaging relevant stakeholders in the Jamaican Lottery Industry for a foreign collaboration to end the unlawful operations carried out by some citizens and boost the operations of both lottery companies.
Since the assumption of office of Director-General, Mr. Samuel Awuku, has seen a lot of international and foreign collaboration.
This, Mr. Awuku says is to diversify the authority’s revenue potential and also use such opportunities to sell Ghana’s famous products on international platforms.
The NLA team has been in the Caribbean nation for a week on this study and familiarization tour upon invitation by the Jamaican Lottery Industry.
Other management members on the trip were Director of Marketing, Mr Kwabena Opoku Boakye and Public Relations Manager of the Authority, Mr Goodfellow Dei Ofei.
During their stay, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Prime Minister of Jamaica who also doubles as the National Security Minister Honourable Dr. Horace Anthony Chang, MP.
The Deputy PM welcomed the team and explained his country and Ghana have a long standing relationship and underscored the need to promote culture and business relations between these two countries.
He observed that a direct airline between West Africa and the Caribbean has been a major impediment and promised leadership of these countries will start a conversation to get it resolved.
Hon. Dr Chang said lottery has been a major source of support for the Jamaican economy, adding that proceeds of lottery is invested in culture, health, education and sports development.
On his part, the NLA boss conveyed greetings from the president and people of Ghana, especially the board management and staff of the National Lottery Authority( NLA).
Mr. Awuku said “Hon. Deputy Prime Minister we are here to share ideas and learn best practices that will be critical to the growth of lottery in Ghana. The NLA will be 60years on the 29th of September this year. We have chalked a lot of successes and have also had our own challenges but we want to move Lottery in Ghana forward and make it a world class lottery industry.”
“The NLA is looking forward to granting the first license for a Caribbean company to operate lottery in Ghana and in West Africa so this visit will afford us the opportunity to assess for ourselves the capacity of the suitors,” he continued.
Mr. Awuku and his team later paid a working visit to Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission of Jamaica (BGLC) the regulator of the Lottery and Gaming in Jamaica.
The meeting afforded both teams the opportunity to share their individual experiences and the strategies they have both adopted to tackle some similar challenges they both face.
The Jamaican team took the delegation through their rigorous licensing and compliance procedures and other operations procedures they adopt for their work.
The delegation then met the biggest operator in Jamaica Supreme Ventures Group (SVG), where they were taken through their various operations and different products they offer.
Mr Awuku and the team also inspected some sales points of Supreme Ventures across the island and also observed the painstaking process of running their daily draws, it is instructive to note the they run a combination of 6 draws a day and they only do not work on Christmas and Easter holidays.
The NLA delegation also used the opportunity to visit the former Prime Minister of Jamaica Most Honorable Percival Noel James Patterson popularly known as PJ Patterson.
The former Jamaican leader who served as the sixth prime minister of Jamaica from 1992 to 2006 was pleased to welcome the NLA delegation to his home.
Mr. Awuku and PJ, as he is affectionately known, had a long conversation spanning from African Caribbean History, to economy and Politics.
PJ Patterson said “I have read a lot about you Sammi and I can see some similarities with our beginnings, I was youth Leader and later National Organiser of my Party the Peoples National Party. I wish you well in all of your endeavor here in Jamaica and it is my hope that Ghana can open its doors to their Caribbean friends to explore the possibility of doing business together in the area of Lottery, Gaming and Betting.
Meanwhile, the NLA team is exploring the possibility of linking local private lotto operators to other International players to strengthen Ghana’s system.
Mr Awuku has ensured that the NLA is now a member of the African Lotteries Association (ALA ) and World Lottery Association (WLA) respectively.
This sets the tone for Ghana to trade our game in other countries and other opportunities the Authority stand to benefit from these very important associations.
Apart from this, Mr. Awuku is building a strong bilateral relationships with some countries so lottery companies and service providers can have the opportunity to do business out of the shores of the country.
The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Samuel Awuku, has entreated the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission to operate with maximum integrity and transparency as it begins its new lotto game.
According to him, such virtues will help earn the trust of patrons in the Commission.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the 6/49 game which was launched on Monday, July 18, 2022, he said “as you commence the 6/49 game, you must endeavour to earn the trust of your cherished patrons, and other stakeholders by conducting the game with the highest sense of integrity, accountability, and transparency.â€
The Federal Government, on Monday, launched the Nigeria National Game as part of efforts to provide jobs and create wealth for the teeming population in the country.
The launch was put together by the NLRC in partnership with Elrae Technologies, to boost jobs and wealth creation in the country.
In emphasizing the importance of Responsible Gaming, Mr Awuku entreated the Commission to strongly adhere to proper and correct practices, amongst many, advertising responsibly and most importantly, ensure that minors are not involved in lottery, stressing that the the onus lies on the commission to make a difference.
Background
Nigeria has joined the world in regulating the gaming industry to harness its potential and increase revenue generation for the nation.
Director-General of Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lanre Gbajabiamila, at the ceremony said prior to this, the Nigerian playing public had been playing Ghana games for some time.
However, it became imperative for the country to establish its National Games for wealth creation in the form of job opportunities and income generation.
Also in attendance was the Nigerian Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Government Affairs who represented President Muhammadu Buhari.
Highlighting benefits of the National game, he mentioned that “the most important benefit of it is that it translates to significant employment opportunities, in line with President Buhari’s directives to all MDAs to initiate programmes that generate employment for teeming youth.â€
He further stated that “Nigeria is currently exploring other means to widen and strengthen its revenue streams in other to fund its annual budgets rather than resorting to borrowing. Hence, the compelling need for the federal government to look beyond oil and gas, taxation amongst others to sustain the Nigerian economy.â€
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku, has been seen to be one of most Successful young men in The Ghanaian Politics.
It just took Awuku only 35 years to achieve a lot of things. He served as the deputy communications officer and national youth organiser.
Not only that, he holds an important position in one of the most formidable political parties in Africa and also the Chairman of the National Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
Now over to what we are here for, I will love you to meet the beautiful woman who is behind the success of Sammy Awuku, As the saying goes “behind every successful man, there is a woman”.
Meet Mary Anane, the beautiful, sweet and lovely wife of Sammy Awuku, she has been in support of him ever since they got married in July 2012.
The wedding was not really a big one but it called the attention of some popular people like, former President Kufuor, his vice Aliu Mahama, Ken Agyapong, Ursula Owusu, among other bigwigs of the NPP.
See Stunning Photos of Mary:
Mary Who used to be a banker at the Zenith Bank, resigned and started her own company, AprilJune Limited. It is a multi-purpose company which offers courier, cleaning, recruitment, and catering services.
Not only does she have her own company, she also is a big lecturer and teaches at Radford University College.
Ever since the lovely couple got married, they have given birth to two lovely angels.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is yet to announce its vice-presidential candidate.
Reports that five persons have been already selected emerged a few days ago but the NDC debunked it saying “the general public is therefore advised to ignore any such frivolous and fictitious letter, which is clearly a creation of some unscrupulous persons, who want to divert attention from serious burning national issues,â€
Speaking in a panel discussion on Peace FM morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ Sammy Awuku, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said “it’s going to be Professor Kwesi Botchwey“.
Professor Kwesi Botchwey, Ghana’s longest-serving Finance Minister is tipped by many to become the running mate to former President John Dramani Mahama for Election 2020
Sammy Awuku turned 36 years old on Friday, April 10, 2020. But he could not have a big celebration due to the ban on social gathering and its associated lockdown.
But some celebrity friends of the NPP national organiser decide to surprise him with a mini celebration.
The friends including actor Prince David Osei, actress and NPP activist Bibi Bright, among a handful of others, surprised Awuku by visiting his private residence.
In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh, Sammy Awuku was seen walking on his compound as his guests who were grouped at a mini garden in the house sang a ‘happy birthday’ song for him.
Looking surprised, Sammi Awuku told the guests that they did not try at all because they had made him shy.
Apart from the celebration, the video also gave social media users a look inside Sammy Awuku’s beautiful house.
The house, as seen in the video, is an ash-painted building which looks big and beautiful. Parked on the compound were two cars.
Sammy Awuku is undoubtedly one of the most successful young men on the political scene in Ghana.
After bursting onto the scene ins his mid-20s, Awuku has risen through the ranks and now holds a top position in one of the biggest political parties in Africa.
Apart from his role as the ruling party’s organiser, Awuku is also the Board Chairman of the National Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
He is married to Mary Awuku with whom he has two daughters.
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Ghanaians have been admonished not to mortgage their future by voting for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2020 general elections.
According to the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a vote for former President John Mahama is a vote for the kingdom of darkness.
He made the comment while addressing NPP members at the 20th anniversary of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the party at Ho Technical University in the Volta region.
“2020 elections is going to be a battle between kingdom of God on one side and the kingdom of darkness on another side so let no one deceive you to exchange your colour television for black and white†Sammy Awuku charged.
He maintained that, the December general elections will be won on the hard work of the youth in the party.
“It is obvious the NDC does not have campaign message so we need to work hard to retain the NPP in power†the NPP National Organizer stated
Sammy Awuku urged the youth to be focused and not allow the NDC to define them with propaganda.
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Awuku, has suggested that he will join the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) if they are bold to boycott the registration exercise set to take place on April 18, 2020.
He said since the NDC is determined to resist the EC’s decision to compile a new voters’ register at all cost, “they should adopt a principle of asking their members to stay away from the registration exercise; that is one of the things that can woo me to the NDC . . . they oppose everything and if we will follow the NDC, we will wear pampers instead of pants.”
He was reacting to a recently held meeting between the EC, its Eminent Advisory Committee, IPAC, and other stakeholders when he appeared on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has set April 18, 2020, as the date for the compilation of the new voters’ register despite agitations from the opposition NDC and other political parties under the name Inter-Party Resistance Against a New Voters’ Register (IPRNA).
