Accra: The Head of Corporate Communications at the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Chris Bilami, has staunchly defended the Authority's revenue mobilisation partnership with KGL Technology Limited, describing the contract as vital to the NLA's operational sustainability.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Bilami spoke to the media following the inauguration of a new Governing Board for the NLA. He stated that the 10-year agreement with KGL has significantly boosted the Authority's financial health, enabling it to meet key obligations such as staff salaries and operational costs on time. He emphasized that the contract is essential to the NLA, noting that without it, the Authority would still struggle to pay wages and other operational expenses. Mr. Bilami highlighted that by the 25th of every month, salaries are now paid on time, marking a major improvement from the past.
He further revealed that approximately 80 per cent of the NLA's current revenue base can be traced directly to the KGL partnership, a claim he noted could be verified with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). His remarks were in response to mounting pressure from some elements within the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), who are calling for the abrogation of the KGL contract. Mr. Bilami dismissed those calls as baseless and misinformed, attributing them to disgruntled lotto marketers and some NLA staff.
Mr. Bilami stressed that the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama is focused on revitalising the economy and will support all businesses that contribute meaningfully, regardless of political affiliation. He urged critics to undertake proper investigations before making public statements, adding that discussions about extending the contract should be based on national interest rather than partisanship.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, on behalf of Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, inaugurated a new seven-member Governing Board for the NLA, as stipulated by Section 36 of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722). The new board members include Mr. Frederick Amissah - Technical Advisor, Ministry of Finance (Chairman), Mr. Mohammed Abdul-Salam - Director General, NLA, Mr. Edward Abrokwah - Director, Revenue Policy Division, Ministry of Finance, and Ms. Doreen Panyin Annan - Representative, Ministry of Interior.
The rest of the members are Mrs. Helen Akpene Awo, Solicitor-General, Representative of the Attorney General's Office, Hon. Faustina Elikplim Akurugu - Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, and Mr. Gerald Baffour Awuah Bonsu - President's Nominee. The board has been tasked with providing strategic oversight and policy direction as the NLA continues efforts to boost revenue generation and comply with its statutory responsibilities.
