Finance Minister demands higher returns from NLA following GH¢10 million dividend payout

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has demanded higher returns from the National Lottery Authority (NLA) following a GH¢10 million dividend payout. Presenting the dividend from the NLA’s Board of Directors, Dr. Forson described it as a positive step, but emphasized that the taxpayer deserves more. The dividend marked the resumption of annual contributions to the Ministry of Finance after a hiatus since 2017.

Dr. Forson revealed that the Ministry is collaborating with the NLA and the Attorney-General to review agreements that restricted the Authority’s returns to the government. He revealed that some of these agreements had allocated an excessive share of the NLA’s revenue to other entities, denying the state funds it should have received.

The Minister urged the NLA to concentrate on its core mandate and refrain from activities beyond its statutory responsibilities. He expressed his commitment to ensuring the state receives its due from the Authority and pledged that the government would work towards stronger returns in the future. Board Chairman Frederick Amissah assured the government that the NLA would undergo reforms and improvements, assuring that the Authority would strive to deliver stronger returns in the years ahead.