The Office of the Attorney General has reaffirmed its strong commitment to assist the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and the Ghana Gaming Commission in their efforts to eradicate illegal lotto and gaming operations across the country. This statement of support comes in the wake of concerns about the significant revenue losses incurred due to illegal activities in the lottery sector.
Sammi Awuku, the Director General of the NLA, brought attention to the scale of this issue during his testimony before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament. Awuku disclosed that the nation loses approximately Gh¢1 billion, equivalent to about $130 million, each year due to the proliferation of illegal lottery operators. These operators bypass the regulated systems, denying the country much-needed revenue that could be used for national development.
The Ghana Gaming Commission has also been battling unauthorized gaming operators, which have mushroomed in recent years, creating further challenges in sanitizing the gaming industry. Unregulated operators not only compromise the integrity of the sector but also contribute to crime, as their operations fall outside the jurisdiction of legal frameworks meant to protect consumers and ensure responsible gaming practices.
In response to this growing issue, the Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, assured stakeholders that the government is fully behind the efforts of both the NLA and the Ghana Gaming Commission. Speaking at the inaugural Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards 2024 ceremony, held on Friday, September 27, she emphasized that the Attorney General’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals involved in illegal gaming activities.
“The Office of the Attorney General has a strong ally and support to both the Gaming Commission and the National Lotteries. Within the broad framework of our mandate, which is to prosecute crime, we have at all times supported the agenda of both the Gaming Commission and the NLA to ensure responsible, ethical gaming and lotteries,” Diana Asonaba Dapaah stated during the awards ceremony.
She further underscored the importance of putting proper structures in place to regulate the gaming industry, including ensuring that all operators acquire the necessary licenses and adhere to established laws. “To that extent, just like all other crimes, any criminal offence under the two statutory gaming and lottery falls within our mandate to prosecute those persons. It is imperative that we put in structures including registration or licenses for all entities that acquire licenses to operate gaming or lottery are regulated,” she reiterated.
The Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards 2024 ceremony was organized by Syndicated Entertainment Solution Ltd., in collaboration with the National Lottery Authority and the Gaming Commission of Ghana. The event aimed to recognize the contributions of key players in the gaming and lottery sectors, while also highlighting the need for a more regulated environment that promotes responsible gaming.
Through this collaborative effort, the Attorney General’s Office and other regulatory bodies aim to send a clear message to illegal operators: their activities will not be tolerated. With the support of the government and law enforcement agencies, the NLA and the Gaming Commission are expected to intensify their efforts to crack down on unlicensed operators, thereby curbing revenue loss and restoring confidence in the legal gaming sector.
The Deputy Attorney General’s assurance of unwavering support is seen as a critical step in ensuring the success of this mission. Her remarks have been welcomed by stakeholders who believe that stricter enforcement of gaming laws will lead to a cleaner, safer, and more profitable industry for both operators and the nation at large.
The NLA and the Ghana Gaming Commission have been working hand in hand to address these issues, but the scale of the challenge requires more than just regulatory oversight. It necessitates a concerted effort from all sectors, including law enforcement and the judiciary, to clamp down on offenders and uphold the integrity of the industry.
As the government takes more decisive steps to regulate the gaming and lottery sectors, it is expected that the revenue lost to illegal operators will be significantly reduced, ensuring that the funds generated from gaming activities benefit the nation. The involvement of the Attorney General’s Office in prosecuting offenders marks a turning point in the fight against illegal lotto and gaming activities, and stakeholders are optimistic that this collaborative approach will yield positive results.
With the commitment of all parties involved, the gaming and lottery sectors in Ghana are poised for a more ethical and regulated future. As the industry grows, it is crucial to maintain vigilance in enforcing the laws that govern these activities, ensuring that all operators comply with the rules and that consumers are protected from the potential harms associated with illegal and irresponsible gaming practices.
In conclusion, the Attorney General’s Office remains a pivotal player in the fight to rid Ghana of illegal gaming and lottery operations. By working closely with the NLA and the Ghana Gaming Commission, the government hopes to create a well-regulated industry that promotes responsible gaming while protecting the interests of the public and maximizing revenue for national development.
