NLA and Fidelity Bank partner to digitise Ghana’s Lottery with 5,000 new terminals
Instant payouts and digital modernisation set to transform access and transparency across Ghana’s lottery sector.
Ghana.- Ghana’s lottery sector is undergoing a nationwide digital overhaul. The Ghana National Lottery Authority (NLA) has joined forces with Fidelity Bank Ghana to deploy 5,000 Android POS terminals, introducing instant payouts, enhancing oversight and modernising access for players across the country.
The terminals will allow players to claim prizes under GH¢30,000 (€2,310) instantly, while giving lottery operators a clear view of sales and payouts in real-time. The upgrade is set to make transactions faster and more reliable, offering a smoother experience for players, particularly those in rural and underbanked communities.
Mohammed Abdul-Salam, Director-General of the NLA, said the collaboration comes at a critical juncture. “For several years, the National Lottery Authority has faced significant operational and market challenges,” said Abdul-Salam, according to News Ghana. He noted that illegal lottery operations had diverted substantial revenue that could have supported national development projects.
“At the same time, our infrastructure required modernisation to meet the expectations of today’s digital consumer,” he added. Partnering with Fidelity Bank, he said, provides the technological strength and financial expertise needed to reposition the NLA, expand reach and restore confidence in the official lottery system.
Abdul-Salam emphasised the importance of digital adoption for the sector. “Ghanaians have embraced digital financial services, and it is important that the lottery sector evolves to meet these expectations,” he said. The partnership leverages Fidelity Bank’s digital capabilities to formalise previously unregulated operations and increase efficiency across the country.
Boosting access, trust and transparency
For players, especially in rural and underbanked communities, the impact will be immediate. Faster, safer and more convenient prize payouts will improve reliability and trust in the formal system. The initiative also strengthens transparency and regulatory oversight across all licensed outlets.
John-Paul Taabavi, Divisional Director at Fidelity Bank Ghana, said the partnership addresses structural challenges rather than consumer demand. “The issue is not demand. Ghanaians continue to play,” he said, noting that the main challenge is access, trust and relevance in a digital age.
He added: “When the formal system does not perform to its full capacity, the informal market steps in. This partnership is designed to close that gap and reposition the NLA at the centre of Ghana’s digital economy.”
He also highlighted the broader significance. “Today marks an important milestone for two Ghanaian institutions coming together with a shared purpose. We are here to reclaim a narrative and rebuild an industry that belongs to the people of Ghana. This partnership creates a clear path towards growth, transparency and renewed public confidence.”
