End the Monopoly: Ayariga Calls for Overhaul of Ghana’s Digital Lottery System
APC leader urges gov’t to scrap exclusive 5/90 deal with KGL, open market to competition
A fresh push to dismantle what critics call a “de facto monopoly” in Ghana’s digital lottery space is gaining momentum after President John Dramani Mahama ordered a review of agreements between the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and private operator KGL Technology Limited.
In a press release issued Tuesday, Dr. Alhaji Hassan Ayariga, Leader and Founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), described the exclusive control of the 5/90 lottery’s digital and USSD channels by a single company as a structure that “undermines national interest.”
“This moment must not be wasted,” Ayariga said. “It is time to decisively end exclusivity and restore fairness, legality, and accountability.”
At Issue: One Company, One Channel
The 5/90 lottery is one of Ghana’s most popular games. Critics argue that granting exclusive digital rights to KGL Technology Limited has:
– Restricted competition and innovation in the tech space
– Blocked other Ghanaian firms from participating
– Weakened transparency and regulatory oversight
– Raised questions about compliance with the National Lottery Authority Act
That Act, Ayariga noted, establishes the NLA as the sole operator of lotteries in Ghana. Private companies may participate only as Lotto Marketing Companies under NLA control. “Any arrangement that effectively transfers operational dominance or financial control to a private entity is inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of the law,” he said.
Revenue Concerns Fuel Urgency
The statement also flagged a “sharp decline in contributions to the national purse in recent years,” questioning whether the current structure serves the public.
“A system that concentrates control while limiting transparency cannot inspire public confidence,” the release said.
Four Demands to Government
Ayariga called on government, regulators, and the technical review team set up by President Mahama to:
1. Terminate or restructure exclusivity clauses* that give unfair advantage to any single operator
2. Open the digital lottery ecosystem* to multiple qualified companies via transparent, competitive licensing
3. Ensure full revenue visibility under direct NLA supervision
4. Guarantee equal opportunity* for Ghanaian innovators, tech firms, and investors
“Competition is not a threat, the statement added. “It is the foundation of efficiency, innovation, and value creation.”
Political Context
President Mahama’s directive for a review of the NLA-KGL agreements has been viewed by industry watchers as a potential turning point. Ayariga framed it as “a defining test of leadership” and “a test of whether national interest will prevail over entrenched advantage.”
Neither the NLA nor KGL Technology Limited had issued a public response at the time of publication.
What’s Next
The technical review team’s findings will determine whether the current deal is amended, terminated, or upheld. Stakeholders across Ghana’s tech and gaming sectors are watching closely, as the outcome could reshape how digital lottery licenses are awarded.
The path forward is clear, Ayariga concluded. “End monopoly control, enforce the law, and open the sector to fair competition. Anything less risks entrenching inequality and denying Ghana the full economic benefits of its lottery industry.
–
