NLA urges workers to call off strike, return to negotiation table

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has called on its workers to abandon their current sit-down strike and resume negotiations to resolve a dispute over salary adjustments for 2026. The appeal comes after staff protested management's decision on the proposed salary increase. In a statement, the NLA emphasized that management remains committed to resolving the impasse through an arbitration process with the National Labour Commission (NLC).

The disagreement arose from a proposed 17% salary increase, which the management initially offered at 12%. This discrepancy stemmed from a tax liability issue, as the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) had identified an incorrect application of income tax on staff salaries from 2016 to 2022, resulting in tax arrears of more than GH¢5 million.

Following discussions with the GRA, the NLA Board and management agreed to absorb these tax arrears without cost to the staff. However, the correction of the tax anomaly affected employees' net salaries, leading the union to demand a 17% increase to offset the financial impact. The NLA had previously approved a 10% increase due to budgetary constraints, and management added an extra 2%, making a final offer of 12%.

The union rejected this offer, leading to the declaration of a deadlock and referral of the matter to the NLC. The Authority had earlier sought guidance from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) on February 11, 2026, and received advice to increase salaries by 8% based on the NLA's financial strength. Consequently, the NLA is urging its workers and management to suspend the industrial action and return to negotiations to address the issue through proper channels.