Finance Minister demands greater returns from NLA after GH¢10 million dividend presentation

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has demanded the National Lottery Authority (NLA) generate greater revenue for the state, calling its GH¢10 million dividend a positive development. The payment, received from the NLA's Board of Directors, led by Chairman Frederick Amissah and Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam, signifies the resumption of dividend contributions to the Ministry of Finance after a hiatus of several years.

The Minister noted that the NLA had previously paid dividends annually, but this practice ceased in 2017.

Dr. Forson emphasized that the taxpayer deserved more than GH¢10 million from the NLA, yet described the recent payment as a good step. He disclosed that the Ministry is collaborating with the NLA and the Attorney-General to review agreements limiting the Authority's returns to the government. Some of these agreements have ceded an excessive share of the Authority's revenue to other entities, depriving the state of funds that should have been allocated to it.

The Minister urged the NLA to concentrate on its core mandate and steer clear of activities beyond its statutory responsibilities.

Dr. Forson stressed that the government deserves better, vowing to ensure the state receives its due from the Authority. Board Chairman Frederick Amissah echoed this sentiment, stating that the dividend payment marked the beginning of reforms and improvements at the NLA. He assured the government that the Authority would strive to deliver stronger returns in the years ahead, emphasizing that this was just the start of the necessary reforms and enhancements.