The Office of the Attorney-General has filed a six-count criminal charge sheet at the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra against the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, over alleged breaches of the country’s mining laws.
He was charged alongside Kwame Antwi and Akonta Mining Company Limited (Wontumi’s firm).
Meanwhile, the second accused person, Kwame Antwi, is currently at large.
The charges, which arise from alleged unauthorised mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region, invoke key provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi
What are the charges?
1. Assignment of mineral rights without approval
In the first count against Wontumi, he is alleged to have, in 2024, permitted two individuals, Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to undertake mining operations within Akonta Mining’s concession without obtaining the prior written approval of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
This act, the prosecution argues, violates Sections 14(1) and 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act.
2. Assignment of mineral rights without approval
The second count mirrors the first but targets the second accused person, Kwame Antwi. As a director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, he is alleged to have similarly permitted the unauthorised mining activities, contravening the same statutory provisions.
3. Corporate liability for unauthorised assignment
The third count is brought against Akonta Mining Company Limited itself as the 3rd accused person.
The company is alleged to have, through its operations in Samreboi in 2024, permitted unauthorised mining activities on its concession without ministerial approval.
This, too, is in breach of Sections 14(1) and 99(2)(b) of Act 703 as amended.
4. Purposely facilitating unlicensed mining
Under this count, Wontumi is accused of deliberately facilitating mining operations by Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, who did not possess the requisite licence issued by the Minister.
The prosecution states that he enabled these activities to occur within Akonta Mining’s concession, contrary to Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act.
5. Purposely facilitating unlicensed mining
The fifth count targets Kwame Antwi again, alleging that he also purposely facilitated unlicensed mining operations on the company’s concession by the same individuals, in breach of the same legal provision.
6. Corporate facilitation of unlicensed mining
The final count is directed at Akonta Mining Company Limited, alleging that the company enabled unlicensed mining activities on its concession.
This represents a corporate offence under Section 99(2)(b) of Act 703.
The charges reflect the state’s increasing reliance on existing mining legislation to tackle illegal mining (galamsey).
Section 14(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act restricts the assignment of mineral rights without ministerial approval, while Section 99(2)(b) criminalises the facilitation of unlicensed mining.
The Attorney-General’s Office, led by Dr Dominic Ayine, formally filed the charges on October 6 2025.
The case is expected to test the scope of corporate and individual liability for illegal mining activities in Ghana.
Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining and CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has strongly responded to accusations from Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe, who alleged that Ashigbey’s anti-galamsey advocacy is politically motivated.
Ken Ashigbey, a prominent voice in the fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has long pressured successive governments to take decisive action against environmental degradation. He was among civil society leaders who met with former President John Dramani Mahama last Friday to discuss the ongoing crisis.
Kenneth Ashigbey
In a Facebook post on Sunday, October 5, Ken Ashigbey highlighted active illegal mining operations near Simpa township on the Tarkwa-Takoradi road: “Around the Simpa township on the Tarkwa to Takoradi road, there is galamsey happening in clear sight. Is the MCE not aware? HE, John Dramani Mahama, please, this MCE cannot be representing your interests. I can see it from the road today, Sunday, the 5th of October 2025. They are working and polluting the waters.”
Stan Dogbe responded critically, suggesting Ashigbey’s advocacy lacked constructive engagement and was politically tinted: “If your government, in the 8 years of your ‘coloured’ fight, had demonstrated the political will and clear strategies deployed in the last 9 months, I guess we would not be here. Instead of gaining on negativity as a form of advocacy, you and your team, as advised by the president, should keep up the fight, but I add do it constructively and stop hiding behind political bias to gain a voice.”
Ken Ashigbey clapped back, expressing disappointment and rejecting claims of partisanship: “‘My government,’ really? Well, some in the NPP said the same. Thankfully, Ghanaians can judge my actions for themselves. My focus has NEVER been on those who, like you, see every national issue through partisan lenses. My commitment is to Ghana and to those who genuinely care about our nation’s future. They recognise the consistency of our message and the sincerity of our advocacy. When we began this fight in 2017, where were you? What was your contribution to the struggle against galamsey under the NPP? Was that when you also thought our advocacy was ‘negative’? History will judge us all.”
He further emphasized his commitment to solutions over rhetoric:
“Some of us are focused on solutions, not noise. You may ask the Minister of Lands, the Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah — whenever we engage, we present concrete proposals. We’ve even shared a comprehensive paper with H.E. John Dramani Mahama at the event on Friday, the 3rd of October 2025, detailing actionable solutions. This is a matter of public record.”
Ashigbey also addressed the broader implications of illegal mining and the environmental toll it’s taking:
“Ghanaians can see that our work is not driven by money or politics. They know that our fight is against the imminent environmental crisis threatening all of us, not an exercise in negativity. Perhaps you are not as concerned about the poisoning of our water bodies or the destruction of our environment. Yes, you can now afford imported brands like Voss. I cannot. My children and family depend on the resources here in Ghana, the same ones being destroyed daily.”
He concluded with a firm rejection of political bias and a call to uphold civic responsibility:
“I hold NO POLITICAL BIAS — and you know that. Yet, for reasons best known to you, you now seek to misrepresent me. I pray that God forgives you for the falsehoods you spread about me. The truth, and the internet, will not forget. Why should I stay silent when I see wrongdoing? Even HE, the President himself, has called on all of us to support the fight against galamsey. The Minister of Lands urged citizens to speak up when they see something wrong. Would you rather we disobey that call?”
Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), especially key stakeholders, have been cautioned to be wide awake in order not to fall into the usual propaganda tricks of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly that of Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, in the lead up to the 2028 general election.
According to Mr. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, a former second-Vice Chairman for the Manhyia South Constituency ,who also served as first vice chairman for Manhyia North constituency in the Ashanti Region, in many instances, the incumbent National Chairman of the NDC, who is also the longest-serving General Secretary of the party, Mr. Asiedu Nketia, has set propaganda traps or tricks for the NPP to fall into them in taking certain decisions which they (NDC) quickly turn back to blame the NPP for such unpopular decisions.
Mr.Patrick Kwame Frimpong
Speaking to “The New Trust” newspaper ahead of the party’s flagbearer election, Mr. Frimpong, who doubles as the Presiding Member for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), and the National Vice-President of NALAG, said should the leadership of the NPP fall into the NDC’s traps or tricks again in the selection of the party’s flagbearer in 2028 and beyond, the future generation and posterity would not forgive them.
“NPP leadership and the grassroots shouldn’t repeat the mistakes of listening to the NDC, especially General Mosquito, in taking unpopular decisions,” he said.
Mr.Johnson Aseidu Nketia, NDC National chairman
He recalled that “the NDC started its tricks by telling Ghanaians, particularly those in the Zongo communities that the NPP is an Akan party, for which reason it does not like our brothers and sisters from the Zongo communities and that led to the NPP appointing NASARA Co-ordinators.”
Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua,NPP General Secretary
They (NDC) followed it up by accusing the NPP in the run-up to the 2007 flagbearer primary that the 17 contestants were too many. “This same Asiedu Nketia referred to the aspirants as “17 thieves,” he added.
Mr. Frimpong continued that this accusation influenced the NPP to introduce “Special Delegates Conference” to reduce the number of aspirants from any number to five.
This unpopular article which was introduced into the party’s constitution has so far been scrapped because it was needless.
Besides, the NDC blamed the alleged money influenced on the delegates’ system for the party’s primaries and subsequently the NPP leadership kowtowed to it and again expanded the delegates to cover all polling station executives.
As if that was not enough,NDC continued with similar tricks and propaganda against NPP in 2012 through to to the selection of Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia,first Muslim and northern as NPP 2024 presidential candidate,they (NDC) turned around again to discredit him(Bawumia ).
Mr Frimpong said “as we (NPP) prepares to hold primary to elect Flagbearer for 2028 general election,the same NDC and their activists,have started what they (NDC) “know best’… against NPP.However, I wish to urge the rank and file of our party, especially the leaders and the delegates to be careful not to fall into the tricks of NDC in the selection of a Flagbearer, as well as the new leaders of the party ahead of 2028 elections”,he pleaded.
Richard W. Tiimob, a teacher of the Savelugu Senior High School in the Northern region, has been named ‘Ghana’s Most Outstanding Teacher’ at the Ghana Teacher Prize 2025, held at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho in the Volta region.
The award, which includes a three-bedroom house, celebrates his exceptional contribution to education and his unwavering commitment to transforming lives through teaching.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Tiimob expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, students, colleagues, and school leadership.
He said, “Teaching has always been more than a profession for me; it is a calling to inspire, mentor, and transform lives. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of my students, colleagues, school leadership, and all stakeholders who support quality education. Let us continue to innovate, elevate, and inspire every learner so we can build a Ghana full of ambition and excellence.”
The award ceremony, themed “Elevating the Status of Teachers for Quality Education,” brought together dignitaries, educators, and stakeholders from across the country.
Dr Christian Addai-Opoku, Registrar of the National Teaching Council (NTC), warmly welcomed Her Excellency, Prof Jane Nana Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of Ghana, emphasising that her presence affirmed the government’s commitment to a motivated teaching profession as a cornerstone of national development.
Dr Addai-Opoku highlighted the significance of World Teachers’ Day, set aside by UNESCO and the ILO to commemorate the 1966 recommendations, noting Ghana’s unique tradition of combining reflection with a grand celebration of teachers’ invaluable contributions.
He reiterated that elevating the conditions, recognition, and professional development of teachers directly strengthens the foundation of quality education for every Ghanaian child.
“The Ghana Teacher Prize, formerly known as the Priscilla Award, was instituted in 1985 by the Ministry of Education to recognise teachers’ immense contributions to national development.
In 2018, it was rebranded to align with global standards, positioning Ghanaian teachers on the international stage and affirming that they can compete with the best in the world,” Dr Addai-Opoku said.
Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), stressed that teachers are not only classroom instructors but also community leaders, counsellors, and nation-builders.
He called on the government and other stakeholders to address critical issues affecting teachers, including delays in salary payments for over 6,000 newly recruited teachers, disparities in the Single Spine Salary Structure, and the need for improved accommodation and professional development opportunities.
“This year’s theme reminds us that a qualified, supported, and motivated teacher is central to achieving educational goals. When the teacher succeeds, the nation succeeds,” Rev. Owusu stated.
The 2025 celebration was made possible through the support of the Government of Ghana, private sector organisations, development partners, teacher unions, and the National Teaching Council.
On behalf of the NTC, Dr Addai-Opoku congratulated all nominees and award winners, noting that they are the torchbearers shaping the character, knowledge, and the future of Ghana.
As the ceremony concluded, Mr Tiimob encouraged his fellow educators to continue uplifting every learner, innovate, and strive for excellence. His message underscored the enduring role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.
The Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program is a unique, non-prescriptive Program designed to support appointed Ministers in doing what they do, serving their countries. The Program provides a space for leaders to reflect, define their priorities, share experiences, exchange knowledge, and build lasting networks.
At the heart of the Program and its in-person Forums is a global community of former and current government leaders. This network allows participants to draw on real-world experience, learning directly through case studies and peer advising, from those who have navigated similar challenges and delivered impact in their own countries.
Dr.Matheqw Opoku Prempeh aka Napo
This year, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a distinguished alumnus of the Program (2017), and former Minister for Education in Ghana (2017-2021), returned to the Forum to share his experience as Minister with current participants.
When appointed, Dr. Prempeh was tasked by his President to deliver Free Senior High School (Free SHS) in his country, a new policy program that would provide free education, paying for a total of 41 items, including tuition, meals, textbooks, and boarding for Ghanaian children qualified for secondary education. Appointed in February 2017, he attended the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program in June of the same year. By September 2017, just seven months after his appointment, Dr. Prempeh launched Free SHS nationwide and, consequently, increased SHS attendance in Ghana.
As Minister for Education, he led reforms in secondary education, successfully fulfilling his mandate and leaving a legacy. Recognized for his achievements, Dr. Prempeh was awarded the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program’s Medal of Achievement in 2020. However, due to the pandemic, the award was presented virtually. This year, during the Forum, he finally received the honor in person. As a Program alumnus, Dr. Matthew Prempeh says:
“Harvard opened my eyes to delivery units, stakeholder mapping, and rapid implementation. It showed me how to track every detail, so nothing slipped through. That’s how we launched Free SHS in just seven months. My participation in the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program gave me top-notch knowledge and skills in leadership, governance, and management. I got the opportunity to hear and learn firsthand the success stories and the pitfalls to avoid from a wide range of current and former ministers from across the globe. The programme also provided a network and a pool of experts to contact in times of need. Overall, the programme gave me the needed confidence to execute my mandate as Minister of Education successfully.”
The Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program continues to work with government leaders like Dr. Prempeh to foster an environment of peer learning, trust, and shared leadership to strengthen the capacity of government leaders to deliver results that matter most to their people.
Because of his transformative leadership as Minister for Education, Minister Prempeh says, “In the first year of Free SHS, dropout rates in the South fell to match the North. Over 100,000 students each year, who would have been on the streets, were now in school.Source: Harvard ministerial leadership
The Ejura Divisional Council has officially opened the 2025 Edition of Ejura Sekyerene(Yam) Festival with a massive clean up exercise
The exercise which brought together hundreds of people is to ensure a clean and healthy environment as preparations heighten for the upcoming Yam Festival.
Held on Saturday October 4,2025,the event saw the participation from officials of the Police Service, traditional leaders, NADMO, Prisons Service, advocacy groups, community members among others.
Speaking to OTEC news, on behalf of the Ejurahene Barimah Osei Hwedie II, the Nkosuohene for Ejura, Nana Agyeman Anning Prempeh disclosed that, culturally no one is allowed to eat the newly harvested yam until traditional rites are performed
Some scenes from the event
“The Festival serves as a platform to showcase the freshly harvested yams and officially marks the start of its consumption by the public”. He said.
Nana Prempeh commended Ejurahene’s commitment to developing the area, adding that Barimah Osei Hwedie II has lead dozens of developemenntal projects through the festival.
He urged stakeholders, cooperate entities, and all natives of Ejura both home and abroad to rally behind the traditional council.
About the Festival
The Festival called “Sekyerene”(Yam) is marked every year by the chiefs of people to thank God, ancestors, and the traditional stool for providing the people with a bumper harvest of fresh yams in the year just gone by.
Activities for this year’s Festival
The festival commenced on October 4, 2025, with the climax, the grand durbar, coming off on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
The Special Guest of Honor for this year’s festival is Odeneho Okyere Kusi Ntrama, the Essumegya Manhene.
This year’s festival will focus on youth development, with the theme “Disciplined Youth: Our hope for building a prosperous future.”
Here’s a rundown of the activities planned for the week
Saturday October 4, 2025 – Clean-up exercise
Tuesday October 7, 2025-Health Walk (Morning) Health screening (Afternoon)
Wednesday October 8, 2025 – Football Gala
Thursday October 9, 2025 – Tribal Performances (Morning) Performance by Fetish priests (Akom) (Afternoon)
Friday October 10, 2025 – Festival Rites at various Stool houses (Morning) Drumming and Dancing (Afternoon)
Saturday October 11, 2025 – Grand Durbar @ 11:30 am
Sunday October 12, 2025 – Thanksgiving Church Service
The students of OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies are set to host a seminar as part of their SRC week celebration, featuring the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Hon. Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, and other renowned individuals.
The event will see the Host of OTEC FM’s morning Show, Kwaku Owusu Boateng (KOB), renowned Contractor Emmanuel Boakye Fapem, and the Middle Belt Bureau Chief for Channel One News, Hafiz Tijani, all mentor the students.
The SRC President, Dickson Mensah, in an interview with OTEC News Reporter Kwame Agyenim-Boateng on Sunday, said the week commenced with a radio tour with the students visiting some radio stations in Kumasi.
He revealed the main activities will begin on Monday, October 6, 2025, with a float and end on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with awards.
Among the key activities is the SRC Seminar, which will see Hafiz Tijani, KOB, and Emmanuel Boakye Fapem mentoring the students.
The seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The main event will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, where the MP for Manhyia South, Hon. Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, will address the students at the opening session.
The second session will see the students participate in hosting a magazine program competition, with the best students in areas like news, sports, entertainment, and presenting being rewarded.
There will also be a cooking competition, cleanup exercise, and a tour to the Barekese Dam and Manhyia Palace Museum, among other activities.
Many people out of ignorance of the lottery industry have stated that NLA should rather operate NLA 5/90 USSD and Web online lottery instead of Third Party Companies and Collaborators.
They argue that the NLA is also the only body mandated to operate lottery under Section 4 of the National Lotto Act, 2006(Act 722).
Respectfully, I would like to use this Article to correct the misleading accounts, misinformation, disinformation, and misinterpretation of the Act 722 being championed by some media houses such us the Fourth Estate and Mr. Sulemana Briamah against the NLA-KGL license agreement because they think that NLA-KGL deal is not in the best interest of Ghana.
Dr.Razak Kojo Opoku
I will start by breaking down the practical implementation of Act 722 and the Lottery Regulations, 2008(L. I. 1948):
Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948
The National Lottery Authority(NLA) under National Lotto Act, 2006(Act 722) and Lottery Regulations, 2008(L. I. 1948) has six main powers. They include:
1. Operational Powers
2. Regulatory Powers
3. Supervisory Powers
4. Management Powers
5. Collaboration/Partnership/Joint Venture Powers
6. Powers of the Board of NLA
These aforementioned powers can be seen under:
1. Section 4(1) of Act 722 which states that, “A person other than the Authority shall not operate any form of lottery”.
Section 35(1) of Act 722 which states that, “The Authority shall regulate, supervise, and manage National Lotto and ensure the enforcement of the laws relating to National Lotto”.
Operational Powers of NLA under Act 722 & L. I. 1948
The operational powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) are captured under:
(a). Section 2(2) of Act 722 which states that, “the National Lottery Authority established under Part II(see Section 34 of Act 722) shall be the institution to conduct national lotto.
(b. Section 4(1) of Act 722 which states that, “A person other than the Authority shall not operate any form of lottery”.
To operate lottery in Ghana to the public is NOT the same as to sell lottery products to the public or to regulate and supervise lottery by NLA.
Section 2(2) and Section 4(1) of Act 722 are implemented by using:
(1). Section 3 of Act 722 (Time and place for conducting National Lotto).
(2). Section 23 of Act 722 (Draw of National Lotto).
(3). Section 24 of Act 722 (Supervision of draw).
(4). Regulation 1 of L.I. 1948 (Lottery Draw Committee).
(5). Regulation 21 of L. I. 1948 (Draw of national lottery).
(6). Regulation 22 of L. I. 1948 (Supervision by the Lottery Draw Committee).
Hence, the operational powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) under Act 722 and Lottery Regulations, 2008 (L. I. 1948) is strictly about the Conduct and Supervision of Lotto Draws, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the sale of lottery tickets or products.
I wish to state categorically that, the argument put forward by Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate using Section 4(1) of Act 722 (Prohibition of lottery) to draw a conclusion that NLA has the sole power to sell Lotto directly to the public using the USSD and Web online instead of KGL Technology Limited is absolutely FALSE and totally misleading to the Public.
To operate lotto under Act 722 and L. I. 1948 means “to conduct and supervise lotto draws”, and it is solely the responsibility of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to conduct and supervise Lotto Draws in this country.
For the avoidance of any form of doubt, KGL Technology Limited has NOT breached the operational powers of NLA since the company has NEVER conducted or supervised its own Lotto Draws.
KGL Technology Limited ONLY uses the numbers drawn and supervised by the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
Regulatory Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948
The regulatory powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) involve:
1. Licensing of Lotto Marketing Companies and Collaborators.
Licensing of Private Lotto Operators using Veterans Administration Ghana(VAG), Act 844.
Ensuring Compliance and Enforcement of Act 722, L. I. 1948, and Section 22 of Act 844.
The regulatory powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) are implemented using:
1. Section 5 of Act 722 (Licensing of Lotto Marketing Companies).
Section 6 of Act 722 (Application for Lotto Marketing Companies).
Section 7 of Act 722 (Grant of license and license fee)
Section 8 of Act 722 (Requirements for Lotto Marketing Companies).
Section 9 of Act 722 (Duties of Lotto Marketing Companies.
Section 10 of Act 722 (Publication of Lotto Marketing License).
Section 11 of Act 722 (Suspension or revocation of license).
Section 12 of Act 722 (Renewal of license).
Section 13 of Act 722 (Non-transferability of license).
Section 14 of Act 722 (Offences in respect of a Lotto Marketing license).
Section 18 of Act 722 (Prohibition in relation to coupons).
Section 19 of Act 722 (Offences in relation to a coupon).
Section 20 of Act 722 (Participation in National lotto and purchase of coupons).
Section 27 of Act 722 (Offences in relation to National Lotto Draw).
Section 29 of Act 722 (Foreign lottery).
Section 30 of Act 722 (Repeated Offences).
Section 31 of Act 722 (Seizure and forfeiture of objects used for or relating to Offence).
Regulation 2 of L. I. 1948 (Licensing of Lotto Marketing Companies).
Regulation 3 of L. I. 1948 (Renewal of a license).
Regulation 5 of L. I. 1948 (Grounds for suspension or revocation of a license).
Regulation 12 of L. I. 1948 (Online lottery).
Regulation 17 of. L. I. 1948 (Offences relating to sale of coupons).
KGL Technology Limited was licensed to sell NLA 5/90 lottery products via USSD and Web online under the regulatory powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) especially based on: Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13 of Act 722, as well as Regulations 12 of L. I. 1948.
Therefore, any argument put forward by the Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah against the NLA-KGL license Agreement is completely BOGUS, and without any form of legal justification.
Supervisory Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948
The supervisory powers of the National Lottery Authority are implemented using:
1. Section 15 of Act 722 (Issue of Coupons).
Section 16 of Act 722 (Supply of coupons to Lotto Marketing Companies).
Section 17 of Act 722 (Validity of Coupons).
Section 21 of Act 722 (The duties of a participant in National lotto).
Section 22 of Act 722 (Acceptance of a stake).
Regulation 6 of L. I. 1948 (Prohibitions).
Regulation 7 of L. I. 1948 (Sale of lottery).
Regulation 10 of L. I. 1948 (Official closure of lottery game).
Regulation 18 of L. I. 1948 (Duties of staker).
Regulation 19 of L.I.1948 (Acceptance of stakes).
Regulation 20 of L. I. 1948 (Deposit of counterfoil books).
Regulation 26 of L. I. 1948 (Supply of identification numbers).
Regulation 27 of L. I. 1948 (Forfeiture of security).
Regulation 30 of L.I.1948 (Discontinuance of existing lottery and introduction of new lottery).
Regulation 31 of L.I.1948 (Suspension of lottery activity).
It is only the Board of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) that supervises the business activities of KGL Technology Limited, and appropriately reviews the existing agreements between the Authority and KGL Technology Limited.
Therefore, the allegations by Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate should be completely ignored.
Mr. Sulemana Briamah and the Fourth Estate have also FAILED to establish any form of corruption or suspected corruption regarding the NLA-KGL License Agreement.
Management Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948
According to Section 35(2) of the National Lotto Act, 2006(Act 722), “The Authority SHALL NOT RETAIL Lotto coupons to lotto stakers”.
Clearly, Section 35(2) of Act 722 completely defeats the arguments put forward by Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate regarding the NLA-KGL deal.
How would NLA manage the NLA 5/90 USSD and Web online lottery since Section 35(2) of Act 722 doesn’t give any power to NLA to retail lottery products to the staking public?
However, the management powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) are implemented using:
1. Section 25 of Act 722 (Winnings).
Section 26 of Act 722 (Prizes).
Section 28 of Act 722 (Commission).
Section 32 of Act 722 (Lotto Account).
Section 33 of Act 722 (Deficit in Lotto Account to be a charge on Consolidated Fund).
Regulation 4 of L. I. 1948 (Security deposit for license).
Regulation 8 of L. I. 1948 (Instant lottery and scratch lottery).
Regulation 9 of L. I. 1948 (Procedures for claim of instant prizes).
Regulation 11 of L. I. 1948 (Instant ticket validation requirements).
Regulation 32 of L. I. 1948 (Prize disbursement account).
Collaboration/Partnership/Joint Venture Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948
The National Lottery Authority(NLA) under:
1. Section 2(4) of Act 722 can operate any other game of chance or enter into collaboration, partnership or joint venture with any person, society, association, or corporate entity, to operate a game of chance in accordance with existing laws but losses from the game of chance, the collaboration, partnership or joint venture shall not be compensated for by the State or from the Lotto Account provided for under section 32.
Based on the provisions under Section 2(4), there is absolutely no basis for the brouhaha coming from Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate regarding the collaboration and partnership between NLA and KGL.
Also, if through this partnership, all the losses are on the head of KGL, why must we then create an impression that KGL benefits more than the State?
Regulation 12 of L. I. 1948 states that, “the Board may authorise the Director-General to select, operate, and contract for the operation of online lottery which shall be subject to some conditions as stated in the Lottery Regulations.
The NLA-KGL deal is strongly backed by Regulations 12, 13, and 14 of Lottery Regulations, 2008(L. I. 1948).
Based on the provisions captured under Regulations 12, 13 and 14 of L. I. 1948, the Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah have absolutely NO case against the NLA-KGL deal. This gives strong backing to the public perception that KGL was targeted by some faceless financiers of Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate.
Powers of the Board of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948
The Board of National Lottery Authority(NLA) has been given the power to devise methods to help maximize the revenue generated by the Authority for the State(Section 37(d) of Act 722) in full alignment with Section 2(1) of Act 22 which states that, “National lotto shall be conducted for the purpose of raising revenue for the nation and for other purposes stated in this Act.”
The NLA-KGL deal is so far the best license agreement ever issued by the Board of the National Lottery Authority(NLA).
The record speaks for itself as compared to some licenses issued to other Lotto Marketing Companies, Private Lotto Operators, and Collaborators.
Absolutely, none of the license agreements issued by the National Lottery Authority(NLA) to private companies have been able to deliver massive financial resources to the NLA which is higher than what KGL has delivered to the NLA from 2019 up-to-date.
I would like to boldly state that, for the first time, Sulemana Briamah and the Fourth Estate have completely and totally gotten it WRONG with their investigation regarding NLA-KGL License Agreement.
The NLA-KGL deal is the best so far, and we all must encourage the partnership between these two entities with the patriotic aim of demanding more money for the State as the business of KGL Technology Limited keep expanding.
We should not tolerate or encourage unnecessary commentaries against the NLA-KGL license Agreement from Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate because it seems they are doing so out of ignorance or perhaps personal agenda borne out of bitterness, envy, and jealousy.
Wrong Interpretation of Section 2(3) of Act 722 by Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah
According to the Fourth Estate, money meant for the poor and mentally afflicted were given away to the rich, citing Section 2(3) of Act 722, which states that, “there shall be conducted as part of the operation of National Lotto, a lottery with the object of providing care and protection for the physically or mentally afflicted, needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children”.
Per Section 2(3) of Act 722, the NLA as part of its operation(not full operations) is supposed to introduce a lottery product with the specific objective of raising revenue to provide care and protection for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children. This does not mean that all revenues generated by NLA are meant for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children.
Since the enactment of Act 722, the NLA has NOT been able as part of its operations to conduct a lottery with the object of providing care and protection for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children as stated in Section 2(3) of Act 722.
The NLA 5/90 is NOT a lottery product conducted for the purposes of raising revenue to satisfy the provision of Section 2(3) of Act 722. If NLA want to satisfy the provisions of Section 2(3), the Authority has to conduct a new lottery with that specific objective but unfortunately the Authority has NOT been able to implement Section 2(3) of Act 722.
Therefore, it doesn’t make sense for Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah to LIE to the general public that NLA revenue is strictly for providing care and protection to the poor, physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children.
If Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah are honest and fair enough then they should do flyers to highlight ALL the beneficiaries of the NLA Good Causes Foundation and share such flyers with the Ghanaian people through their various social media platforms.
The decision of Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate to deliberately design flyers and write stories about selected few beneficiaries of NLA Good Causes Foundation, leaving out the rest of the beneficiaries amount to the highest level of unprofessionalism and unethical journalism.
It is very important to state that, revenues generated by NLA are meant for the Consolidated Fund as captured under Section 32(4) of Act 722, not strictly for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans, and destitute children.
Also, National Lottery Authority(NLA) shall meet its operational and capital expenditure from the Lotto Fund as stated in Section 50 of Act 722.
Finally, the Facts and Data proves that, NLA has NEVER generated GHS 3 billion business in a single year in the absence of KGL License Agreement. It is therefore misleading to state that NLA has given away GHS 3 billion Business to KGL because KGL itself started operations from zero, it took huge investments, IT Infrastructure development, Systems Integration, and marketing to reach where they are now with absolutely ZERO investments and support from the National Lottery Authority(NLA).
The only thing NLA does for KGL is the issuance of License and conduct of Lotto Draws.
It is equally important for Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah to consider also, the 60-70% of the GHS 3 billion which goes into payment of winners of national lotto.
For instance, NLA used 8years from 2013-2020 to generate GHS 2, 766, 159, 507(GHS 2.7 billion) and out of this GHS 2.7 billion, the NLA used GHS 1, 378, 104, 374(GHS 1.3 billion) to pay Winners of National Lotto.
Also, out of that same GHS 2.7 billion, the NLA:
1. transferred GHS 182, 009, 000(GHS 180 million) to the Consolidated Fund, an amount which is far less than what KGL has paid to NLA even within a 2-year period of 2024-2025.
used GHS 553, 014, 988(over GHS 500 million) to pay commission to Lotto Marketing Companies.
The Lotto Marketing Companies earned more money than the Consolidated Fund and the NLA itself based on the existing revenue sharing agreement between Lotto Marketing Companies and the National Lottery Authority(NLA).
used GHS 153, 302, 459(over GHS 150 million) to pay fees to the Technical Service Providers such as Lots Services Ghana Limited and Simnet Ghana Limited.
For the purpose of education, it is well noted that:
(a). Lots Services Ghana Limited has 15 years contract with NLA subject to renewal for another 15 years after expiration.
(b). Simnet Ghana Limited has 10 years contract with NLA subject to renewal for another 10 years after expiration.
(c). NLA has also signed 10-15years license agreement with some Private Lotto Operators in 2024.
used the rest of the revenue for payment of GPRS Fees to Telecos, Suppliers of Thermal Paper Rolls, and Administrative & General Expenses of the Authority.
Asking for value for money should not mean that we should become mischievous, and diabolical in our demands for public accountability.
Real Problems at the NLA
The real problems at NLA that Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah should take an interest in if they are indeed serving the interest of the public and not their personal agenda are as follows:
1. illegal lottery operators and agents controlling about 80% of the lottery industry across the country who pays absolutely nothing to NLA and GRA.
Some of these illegal lottery operators have been in the industry for the past 30-40years without any records of payments to NLA and GRA.
Procurement contracts to some Technical Service Providers whereby they are freely enjoying 6% on every gross revenue generated by NLA via the Point of Sale Terminals.
Payment of 25% Commission to the Lotto Marketing Companies based on the gross revenue generated by NLA. This is very outrageous when compared to other countries operating lottery.
I am seriously surprised that, Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate are not interested in the aforementioned 3 real problems at the NLA but rather wasting their energy and time on KGL which is giving value to NLA and GRA concurrently.
Even if KGL cease running NLA 5/90 USSD and Web Online lottery right now, which section(s) of Act 722 and L. I. 1948 has stated that, NLA by itself can retail 5/90 lottery via USSD and Web online lottery? Absolutely none.
The NLA would still have to rely on another Lotto Marketing company to run the NLA 5/90 USSD and Web online lottery if KGL cease the running of the NLA 5/90 USSD and Web Online lottery.
So, where from this useless noise from Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah against NLA-KGL deal?
A falling inflation rate doesn’t mean that prices of goods and services have gone down drastically. A falling inflation means that prices of goods and services are rising at a slower pace than before.
Official data from the Ghana Statistical Service(GSS) indicate that, the Consumer Price Index(CPI) rose from 229.4 in August 2024 to 255.7 in August 2025. In practical terms, this means that households are spending GHS 26.30 more on the same basket of goods and services than they did in 2024.
Razak Kojo Opoku
For example, in August 2024, a family spent GHS 50 per week on food under 19.1% food inflation but in August 2025, the same basket of food costs around GHS 56 under 14.8% food inflation.
Yes, food inflation slowed but the family is still worse off because prices never revert to old levels. For instance, Kenkey that climbed from GHS 2 to GHS 5 under 19.1% food inflation has not dropped back to GHS 2 simply because food inflation has lowered to 14.8%.
In response to Hon. Eric Opoku, Food has rather become extremely expensive in 2025, and the facts are as follows:
1. Gari rose from GHS 12 in 2020 to GHS 25 in 2025.
2. A bag of maize rose from GHS 150 in 2020 to GHS 400 in 2025
The illusion of “lower food inflation of 14.8%” has several explanations including:
1. Base Effects
Prices were already abnormally high in 2024. Comparing 2025 against 2024 inflated base makes the rate look smaller even though prices remain high.
Imported versus Local Goods
IMF-backed currency stability has made imported rice and wheat slightly cheaper.
Conclusion
The Food Inflation debate favours the New Patriotic Party(NPP) because:
CPI at 229.4 in August 2024 proves that prices of food were at record low and stable under NPP even though Food Inflation was 19.1%.
A lower Consumer Price Index(CPI) indicates:
(a). increasing purchasing power of money
(b). lower cost of living
(c). falling prices for goods and services.
CPI at 255.7 in August 2025 proves that prices of food are at record high under NDC even though Food Inflation is at 14.8%.
A higher Consumer Price Index(CPI) indicates:
(a). reduced purchasing power of money
(b). higher cost of living
(d). increasing prices for goods and services.
True relief will come only when:
1. Prices stabilize or fall
2. Incomes rise to match living costs
3. Social protection cushions the most vulnerable in society.
Until then, celebrating “lower inflation” is premature at best, and misleading at worst.
…. Signed….
Razak Kojo Opoku
Founding President of UP Tradition Institute
