Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) is set to fully digitize all lottery sales by the third quarter of 2026 as part of a nationwide reform aimed at modernizing operations, improving transparency, and eliminating hybrid sales systems. NLA Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen regulatory oversight and modernize the country’s lottery ecosystem.
He noted that while the Authority has already moved away from traditional paper-based ticket sales, some licensed operators still operate hybrid models that combine electronic and paper systems. These arrangements, he explained, are being systematically phased out.
“The lottery landscape has changed significantly. Although the NLA no longer conducts sales through paper tickets, some entities continue to engage in unauthorized activities, including the piracy of our numbers,” Abdul-Salam said, as reported by Citi News.
He further stated, “Operators holding licenses currently use both electronic machines and paper-based systems. However, we have contractual agreements in place to ensure that these hybrid operations are fully phased out by the end of the third quarter of 2026, transitioning all sales to fully digital platforms.” According to him, the transition to a fully electronic system will enhance regulatory oversight and enable real-time monitoring of lottery transactions nationwide.
As part of the digital transformation agenda, the NLA has partnered with KGL Technology Limited to manage its online platform, which will be accessible via smartphones and basic mobile phones through a dedicated short code. This will allow participants to engage in lottery activities conveniently from any location. Abdul-Salam also highlighted plans to increase the frequency of live draws, which are already broadcast on television.
Proposed changes include increasing the frequency of draws to provide more opportunities for participants. He added that while some draws are conducted directly by the NLA, others are handled by licensed partners at approved locations across the country. The initiative forms part of a wider reform programme aimed at improving governance, strengthening operational efficiency, and advancing the digitization of Ghana’s lottery sector.
