Former PR Manager of NLA questions Finance Minister's GHC10m dividend since 2017 assertion

Financial expert Dr Razak Kojo Opoku has disputed Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson's claim that the National Lottery Authority (NLA) paid a GH¢10 million dividend to the government for the first time since 2017. As a former PR Manager of the NLA, Dr Opoku contends that the minister's assertion oversimplifies the financial contributions made by entities within the lottery sector.

According to Dr Opoku, the government actually received over GH¢153 million from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and GH¢173 million from the NLA through licence fees for the 2025 fiscal year. He emphasizes that these payments show the government is generating significant revenue from the lottery ecosystem, rather than being a mere dividend paid directly by the NLA.

Dr Opoku's remarks come after the Minister's announcement that the NLA had paid GH¢10 million in dividends, describing it as the first such payment since 2017. The minister stressed that this payment should not be viewed merely symbolically, as he is working to review agreements that may have led to the State losing out on revenue.

Dr Opoku advises against treating the GH¢10 million dividend as the total financial contribution from the NLA, arguing that the distinction between dividends, taxes, and licence fees is crucial when evaluating the financial relationship between the NLA, lottery operators, and the government.