NLA Director-General and Greater Accra LMC Chairman Meet to Discuss Industry Challenges and Successes
On Thursday, last week the Chairman of the Greater Accra Association of Lotto Marketing Companies (LMCs), Mr. Justice Appiah, together with his leadership team, met with the Director-General and Management of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
This was a strategic meeting for the parties to discuss the successes and challenges of the LMCs.
Challenges at theLMCs
Mr. Appiah outlined several challenges facing the LMCs. These are; the lack of representation on the NLA Governing Board. Two, the impact of online gaming on sales, and thirdly the dissolution of the Lotto Court.
Other members present also raised concerns about inadequate advertising, which they said was affecting the NLA brand. The unauthorized use of the NLA logo by Private Lotto Operators (PLOs), obsolete terminals in the market, and network connectivity issues.
Concerning these issues NLA Director-General, Mr. Mohammed Abdul-Salam, assured that Management will address the problems. He explained that representation of LMCs on the Governing Board is not an easy fit and will require time. The Director -General explained this would require amendments to the existing legal framework. Mr Salam pointed out that discussions were ongoing at a higher-level regarding amendments to Act 722 for other reasons.
On the issue of obsolete terminals, the Acting Director of Legal stated that implementation of the Fidelity Partnership for 5000 state of the art POST processes was approximately 95% complete.
He further noted that illegal lotto operations pose a greater threat to the business than online gaming. Concerning this, the management is taking steps to curb the menace. Mr. Salam added that concerns relating to advertising would be addressed by the Marketing and Corporate Affairs Department.
The LMCs acknowledged the prompt payment of their commissions and payment of wins by management.
The fruitful meeting ended with both the Director-General and the LMCs reaffirming their commitment to working together to improve the business for their mutual benefit and the continued growth of the lottery industry.
