KGL generates millions to boost NLA sustainability and national development
Razak Kojo Opoku, former Public Relations Manager of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), has defended the NLA-KGL partnership amid recent criticism from some media outlets.
Opoku pointed out inconsistencies in reports from Fourth Estate and journalist Sulemana Briamah, who have questioned the financial benefits of the deal. He clarified that NLA received GHS 157.6 million from KGL in 2024 and is expected to receive GHS 170 million in 2025, totaling over GHS 327 million for both years. This contradicts claims that NLA earns nothing from the partnership.
He further explained that KGL made a profit of GHS 70 million in 2024 while paying significant fees to NLA. Tax records from the Ghana Revenue Authority also show KGL paid taxes higher than its profit that year.
Opoku highlighted that NLA’s debts, which totaled over GHS 233 million from 2012 to 2019, existed well before the NLA-KGL deal started in late 2019. These debts stem from unpaid lotto prizes, contractor fees, taxes, and other obligations.
He emphasised that NLA’s failure to transfer funds to the Consolidated Fund is a management and political issue, not related to the NLA-KGL agreement. The law requires NLA to pay lotto prizes and commissions before transferring any remaining money to the government, and often no balance remains after these payments.
Regarding national development, Opoku noted that KGL invests 50-70% of its profits in corporate social responsibility projects across Ghana. These include constructing mental health facilities, supporting hospitals and schools, donating to flood victims, sponsoring sports initiatives, and contributing millions annually to NLA-related causes.
Opoku concluded that the media should avoid misleading the public with inaccurate reports about the NLA-KGL deal, which remains crucial for both the authority’s sustainability and national progress.
