Sierra Leone’s State Lottery faces stronger accountability measures as parliament pushes better governance
Lawmakers demand salary payments, financial transparency and tighter oversight as scrutiny grows around the State Lottery’s management agreement with Accord Logistics.
Sierra Leone.- Sierra Leone’s State Lottery faces stronger accountability measures in 2026 as parliament pushes for better salary payments, stronger financial transparency and long-term governance across the sector. Lawmakers have intensified oversight of its management agreement with Accord Logistics following renewed scrutiny of staff welfare and financial controls.
The Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry increased its focus on the State Lottery after concerns were raised over nearly ten months of unpaid staff salaries and the management of funds linked to the lottery’s operating structure. Local reports said employees had gone for months without pay, prompting legislators to question how the operator was handling its contractual obligations.
The committee recently issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Johnny Kouza, CEO of Accord Logistics, demanding immediate payment of outstanding salaries owed to employees of the Sierra Leone State Lottery. The lawmakers warned that failure to comply could trigger further parliamentary action and possible legal consequences.
Committee Chairperson Veronica Sesay delivered a strong warning during the parliamentary summons. “We are mandating you to pay within 24 hours and provide the joint account details between Accord Logistics and Sierra Leone Lottery. Failing to do so, you will regret it,” said Sesay, according to Sierraloaded.
The oversight committee also requested full disclosure of the joint account held between Accord Logistics and the State Lottery, stressing that worker protection and stronger oversight under public-private agreements remained the priority. Parliament’s intervention reflects wider concern over transparency, salary compliance and governance standards within the state-backed lottery structure.
The latest scrutiny builds on the joint venture agreement ratified in 2022 between the Sierra Leone State Lottery Company Limited, the Government of Sierra Leone through the National Commission for Privatisation and Accord Logistics for the development of the country’s gaming and betting sector.
At the time, lawmakers said the agreement was intended to support sector development, strengthen operational oversight and improve local employment opportunities, while ensuring compliance and long-term public benefit. Parliament also emphasised that local staff should be employed and trained across the structure to ensure national benefit from the arrangement.
Parliament continued oversight discussions with State Lottery stakeholders in April 2026, reinforcing legislative attention on the sector and signalling that governance reforms remain a priority. For Sierra Leone’s lottery sector, 2026 is being defined by parliament’s push for salary compliance, financial transparency and tighter operational oversight across the State Lottery.
