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Former Public Relations Manager of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Dr Razak Kojo Opoku, says both the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and KGL Technology Limited are in full agreement on renegotiating their existing contract to increase payments to the state. In a notice, he indicated that “the position for renegotiation has been consistent with KGL’s engagement with the Mahama administration since January 2025”, adding that “both NLA and KGL are on the same page.” According to him, since the partnership began in 2019, KGL’s annual payments to the NLA have steadily increased through periodic renegotiations as the business expanded. Dr Opoku expressed confidence that these payments would continue to rise from 2026 and beyond, further boosting revenue for the state. “The most important thing is how the NLA will prudently utilise the payments made by KGL in the interest of the state and the public,” he added. Dr Opoku stressed that the ongoing renegotiation discussions do not amount to termination, cancellation, or abrogation of KGL’s licence agreement, as has been speculated by some critics. He added that the position of the Director-General of the NLA at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament clearly confirmed that the NLA-KGL partnership remains one of the best contractual arrangements, with significant potential to yield even more benefits after the renegotiation process. Dr Opoku also dismissed calls from The Fourth Estate and its Executive Director, Sulemana Braimah, for the termination of the deal, describing their demands as “completely defeated” by the NLA’s official position before Parliament. “The Director-General’s submission at the PAC has effectively laid to rest all arguments for termination or cancellation. Both NLA and KGL are on the same page,” he emphasised. BackgroundThe NLA partnered with KGL Technology Limited in 2019 to operate the 5/90 online lottery game. The agreement later evolved into a 10-year licensing partnership, allowing KGL to run digital lottery operations on behalf of the NLA. Under the deal, KGL pays the NLA substantial annual sums — rising from GH¢20 million in 2020 to about GH¢157 million in 2024 — while reportedly generating billions in total revenue. Supporters, including some former NLA officials, say the arrangement is legal under the National Lotto Act (Act 722), has digitised operations, and strengthened NLA’s revenue base, describing it as the best contract since 1958. However, critics argue the deal violates parts of the Act, gives KGL excessive control, and lacks transparency.
