NLA Ghana denies salary reduction and pay increase for DG amid public scrutiny
The Authority added that the director-general does not have the authority to adjust his own pay, noting that such decisions follow formal processes.
Ghana.- The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has rejected claims circulating on social media that its Director-General, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, reduced staff salaries and unilaterally increased his own pay.
In a statement dated April 10, 2026, the regulator said no salary cuts have been implemented since the Director-General assumed office. It explained that what has been described publicly as a reduction is, in fact, a negotiated adjustment that resulted in a net increase for staff.
According to the NLA, a 5 per cent rise in basic salaries and an 8 per cent utility allowance, previously approved but pending, have now been implemented following discussions with the local union and the Governing Board.
On claims of a personal salary increase, the Authority said the figures being circulated, ranging from GHS 38,000 (€2,948) to GHS 70,000 (€5,430), are inaccurate. It added that the Director-General does not have the authority to adjust his own pay, noting that such decisions follow formal processes involving the Governing Board and relevant public sector institutions.
The NLA also addressed reports about a broader pay review. It stated that any proposed adjustments to executive management conditions are part of a standard process initiated after it was discovered that pay had not been reviewed since 2015. A committee was set up to develop proposals, which were subsequently submitted to the Governing Board. The Board then directed that a comparative survey of public financial institutions be conducted.
Due to limited access to sector data, the Authority sought guidance from the Public Services Commission and later engaged the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. It confirmed that the required documentation has been submitted and that it is awaiting feedback. The regulator confirmed that, so far, no salary increase has been approved or implemented.
Regarding rent allowances, the NLA explained that the benefit has long existed under its terms of service and dismissed claims of annual payouts of $108,000 (€99,000) or $228,000 (€209,000).
The Authority indicated it may pursue legal action against media outlets that published what it described as false information.
