Ghana’s National Lottery Authority launches major 2026 reform drive
Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam unveils governance changes, technology upgrades and expanded player offerings to modernise the lottery and strengthen public trust.
Ghana.- Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) is preparing for a transformative 2026, unveiling a comprehensive reform programme designed to modernise operations, strengthen governance and expand offerings for players.
Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam outlined the plans, highlighting improvements to internal systems and the way the lottery serves the public. “In 2026, there are some key reforms we intend to implement as far as the governance of the National Lottery Authority is concerned. We will also be introducing more products for the gaming public,” said Abdul-Salam, according to GhanaWeb.
Abdul-Salam made these remarks following the African Lotteries Association’s (ALA) end-of-year review meeting in Accra, where he serves as Vice President. The meeting reviewed 2025 operations and charted plans for the year ahead, reinforcing the Authority’s focus on governance and product expansion.
The NLA is also modernising its retail infrastructure. Abdul-Salam told Ghana’s Parliament that the Authority plans to deploy approximately 5,000 new point-of-sale terminals through a partnership with Fidelity Bank. The new terminals will replace outdated equipment, reduce reliance on informal outlets and extend the Authority’s reach nationwide, improving transparency and operational oversight.
Tracking and transparency for players
This follows several initiatives introduced in recent months. On September 1, 2025, the NLA rolled out a QR-enabled sticker system for agents and “lotto writers” registered under private operators. The system allows enforcement teams to verify licensed operators in real time and distinguish them from unlicenced sellers.
Abdul-Salam added: “The stickers, which display operator details and a compliance QR code, are part of broader efforts to rationalise operations and ensure licensed activity is more easily trackable.”
In December 2025, the NLA moved its live draws to Ghana Television (GTV), airing immediately after the 8pm prime-time news. The change aims to increase visibility and boost public confidence in the lottery process.
As part of its crackdown on illegal activity, the Authority issued public warnings in January 2026, urging players to use only authorised platforms and licenced agents when placing bets. The move reinforces the NLA’s commitment to protecting players and maintaining the integrity of the lottery.
With these measures, the NLA is positioning itself for a year of transformation, combining governance reforms, technology upgrades and strengthened transparency to serve the gaming public more effectively.
Ghana’s approach is also drawing attention across the continent. Its 5/90 lottery model and governance measures are regarded by industry observers as influential for operators and regulators in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, offering guidance on modernising lottery operations and improving regulatory oversight.
