Ayariga Demands End to Digital Lottery Monopoly, Calls for Fair Access

Story by Fada Amakye

APC Leader Dr. Alhaji Hassan Ayariga has called for an end to what he describes as a “de facto monopoly” in Ghana’s digital 5/90 lottery, urging government to terminate exclusivity clauses and open the sector to multiple qualified companies.

In a press release issued April 22, 2026, from Accra, Dr. Ayariga said President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to review agreements between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and KGL Technology Limited has brought “renewed urgency” to the issue of exclusivity in the digital lottery space.

“This moment must not be wasted. It is time to decisively end exclusivity and restore fairness, legality, and accountability in the operation of the 5/90 lottery,” the statement said.

Dr. Ayariga argued that granting exclusive control over digital and USSD channels to a single private company restricts competition and innovation, limits opportunities for other Ghanaian businesses, weakens transparency, and raises “serious concerns about compliance with Ghanaian law.”

He stressed that the NLA Act establishes the Authority as the sole operator of lotteries in Ghana, with private sector participation permitted only as Lotto Marketing Companies under NLA control. “Any arrangement that effectively transfers operational dominance or financial control to a private entity is inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of the law,” he said.

The APC Leader called on government, regulators, and the ongoing technical review team to take “bold and immediate steps” to terminate or restructure exclusivity clauses, open the digital lottery ecosystem through a transparent and competitive licensing process, ensure full revenue visibility under NLA supervision, and guarantee equal opportunity for Ghanaian innovators and investors.

“Competition is not a threat, it is the foundation of efficiency, innovation, and value creation,” Dr. Ayariga stated.

The release also pointed to a “sharp decline in contributions to the national purse in recent years,” questioning whether the current structure serves Ghanaians. “A system that concentrates control while limiting transparency cannot inspire public confidence,” it added.

Dr. Ayariga described the President’s directive as “a defining test of leadership” and “a test of whether national interest will prevail over entrenched advantage.”

“The path forward is clear: end monopoly control, enforce the law, and open the sector to fair competition. Anything less risks entrenching inequality, weakening institutions, and denying Ghana the full economic benefits of its lottery industry. The time to act is now,” he concluded.