Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has criticized the revenue-sharing arrangement between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and KGL, saying it gives the government an unfair share of the proceeds from the lottery business.
Dr Forson said a significant portion of the revenue had been ceded to KGL at the expense of the state, adding that the government intends to review and correct the arrangement.
“The revenue has been ceded unreasonably to the other entity as against the government. We believe that needs to be corrected, and we will correct it,” he said.
The finance minister disclosed that he is working with the Attorney-General to address the issue, with the government expected to finalize the relevant agreements in October.
“I am working with the Attorney-General. This month, October, we will finalise those agreements,” he stated.
Dr Forson made the remarks while welcoming a payment of more than GH¢10 million from the NLA to the government. He described the payment as a significant development, claiming that the Authority had not transferred any revenue to the Ministry of Finance since 2018.
“From 2018 to today, National Lottery Authority had not presented a pesewa to the Ministry of Finance until this morning,” he said.
However, he stressed that the payment was only a starting point and that the government expects the NLA to contribute substantially more to public revenue.
“The taxpayer deserves more than ten million. Yes, it’s a good start, but you have to do more,” he said.
The finance minister also questioned the NLA’s practice of using surplus funds to finance projects under its “Good Causes” programme independently. He argued that excess funds should instead be transferred to the government to support public spending and the delivery of public services.
“If you have enough money and want to spend it on good causes, bring it to the government. It’s not your business. We will provide public good to the people of Ghana on your behalf,” he said.
Dr Forson reiterated that the government wants the NLA to improve its financial performance and increase its contribution to the public purse. He added that the agreements governing the lottery business must be structured to deliver greater value to the state and Ghanaian taxpayers.
