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Dr. MATTHEW Opoku Prempeh’s extraordinary works in the smooth implementation of the famous Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in 2017, when he was the Minister of Education, has shot him to international fame.

Affectionately called ‘Napo’ in political circles, he is a proud recipient of the prestigious ‘Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program’s Medal of Achievement’ award, which was presented to him in the United States (US), few days ago.

He was recognised and duly awarded by Harvard University in 2020 for his key roles in the Free SHS implementation, but due to travelling restrictions at the time, which was occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, the award was presented to him virtually.

Napo, an alumnus of the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program, a non-prescriptive program designed to support appointed ministers serving their countries, was invited by Harvard University to share his experience.

The world acclaimed academic institution took advantage of Napo’s presence in the US and officially presented the prestigious award to him during a short and colourful programme, to the admiration of the ex-Education Minister.

‘This year, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a distinguished alumnus of the Program (2017), and former Minister for Education in Ghana (2017-2021), returned to the Forum to share his experience as Minister with current participants.

‘As Minister for Education, he led reforms in secondary education, successfully fulfilling his mandate and leaving a legacy,’ a statement from the renowned academic institution stated.

‘Recognized for his achievements, Dr. Prempeh was awarded the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program’s Medal of Achievement in 2020. However, due to the pandemic, the award was presented virtually. This year, during the Forum, he finally received the honor in person,’ it added.

It further said ‘when appointed, Dr. Prempeh was tasked by his President to deliver Free Senior High School (Free SHS) in his country, a new policy program that would provide free education, paying for a total of 41 items, including tuition, meals, textbooks, and boarding for Ghanaian children qualified for secondary education.

‘Appointed in February 2017, he attended the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program in June of the same year. By September 2017, just seven months after his appointment, Dr. Prempeh launched Free SHS nationwide and, consequently, increased SHS attendance in Ghana.’

Napo Shares Free SHS Success Secret

Addressing his audience, Napo, who was beaming with smiles over the honour, said the training and education that he received from the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program helped him greatly to implement the Free SHS policy in 2017.

‘Harvard opened my eyes to delivery units, stakeholder mapping, and rapid implementation. It showed me how to track every detail, so nothing slipped through. That’s how we launched Free SHS in just seven months.

‘My participation in the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Program gave me top-notch knowledge and skills in leadership, governance, and management.

‘I got the opportunity to hear and learn firsthand the success stories and the pitfalls to avoid from a wide range of current and former ministers from across the globe,’ he disclosed.

The programme, Napo said, ‘also provided a network and a pool of experts to contact in times of need. Overall, the programme gave me the needed confidence to execute my mandate as Minister of Education successfully.’

According to him, in the first year of Free SHS, ‘dropout rates in the South fell to match the North. Over 100,000 students each year, who would have been on the streets, were now in school.’

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced plans to begin issuing vehicle number plates in the names of individuals starting January 2026.

This new system will link each registered number plate directly to its owner, making the individual fully responsible for all matters associated with the vehicle.

The move forms part of a series of sweeping reforms being undertaken by the DVLA to enhance security, accountability, and safety on the country’s roads.

According to the Authority, the new policy will ensure that each vehicle number belongs exclusively to the registered owner, who must remove the number plate when transferring ownership.

‘Once implemented, every vehicle owner is entreated to see their vehicle numbers as their personal numbers, with the added responsibility of protecting them,’ the DVLA said in a statement.

The statement further explained that when a vehicle is sold, the previous owner is required to remove the number plate, allowing the new owner to apply for and secure a new registration number.

‘This enables the Authority and security agencies within the transport ecosystem to link a unique vehicle number to an individual,’ it added.

The announcement follows just over a month after the DVLA unveiled another set of reforms, including the introduction of new number plate designs and enhanced tracking technology.

Under the new design, the year of registration will be phased out from plates beginning January 2026.

The revised plates will instead feature the regional name where the vehicle was registered, the vehicle’s unique identification number, and an area code.

Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, also revealed the introduction of Dealer’s Permit (DP) stickers to replace traditional aluminum dealer plates.

He explained that the new DP stickers will improve accountability and allow the Authority to trace vehicles from the ports into the nation’s transport system.

‘The new DP sticker allows us to track who is driving the car, when it arrived in Ghana, its destination, and when the sticker expires. Once scanned, the code reveals all these details. It was wrong to have cars in the system without knowing their owners, but now, right from the port, we know who owns the vehicle,’ Mr. Kotey explained in an interview on Channel One TV.

Delta Air Lines has reaffirmed its commitment to Ghana with the introduction of seasonal daily nonstop service between Accra and Atlanta, beginning December 1, 2025.

The move reinforces the airline’s long-standing investment in the Ghanaian market as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

At a press briefing held in Accra recently, Michael Thomas, Delta’s General Manager of Communications, reflected on a century marked by innovation, reliability, and operational excellence, while highlighting Ghana’s pivotal role in the airline’s Africa strategy.

‘Ghana is a key gateway in Delta’s Africa network. Our decision to expand service from Accra reflects our confidence in this market and our commitment to delivering world-class travel experiences to our customers,’ he said.

‘Our nearly two decades of service in Ghana have shown us the strength, resilience, and ambition of this market. As we look ahead, we are not only investing in flights and aircraft; we are investing in people, partnerships, and Ghana’s growth story,’ he added.

According to him, Delta has served Ghana since 2006, carrying approximately 1.5 million customers on its New York-JFK route.

He stated that with the introduction of the new service, Delta will now operate two direct routes to Accra: year-round daily flights from New York-JFK and newly launched seasonal flights from Atlanta.

Mr. Thomas said for 19 years, Delta has served as a trusted link between Ghana and the United States, boosting economic activity, cultural exchange, and family connections across continents.

‘Delta’s commitment goes far beyond connecting markets. It’s about creating jobs, supporting local initiatives, and partnering with communities to make a difference where it matters most,’ said Mary Abisola Gbobaniyi, Manager, Sales West Africa.

‘We reinvest one percent of our global profits into programs like Junior Achievement Africa and Breast Care International, ensuring our impact extends far beyond aviation,’ she added.

She continued that Delta’s community partnerships in Ghana include a decade-long collaboration with Breast Care International (BCI) to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection.

Together, they have educated over 150,000 people, screened more than 20,000 individuals, and identified approximately 2,000 suspected cases. Through annual screenings and awareness walks, the partnership has reached rural areas, with over 65,000 women screened through targeted campaigns.

She said Delta remains the only U.S. carrier offering nonstop service from Accra to New York-JFK, providing seamless onward connections to over 200 destinations across North America.

The airline’s sustained presence in Africa underscores its strategic, long-term commitment to the continent.

Delta currently operates flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos, Accra, and Dakar, and will expand to Marrakech later this month.

Founded in 1925, Delta has grown into one of the world’s leading airlines, known for reliability, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. A century of innovation – including the introduction of the Airbus A330-900neo on the Accra route – continues to define its legacy of excellence and service.

With an unusual number of treatment plants being shut down by the Ghana Water Company, a situation occasioned by heightened illegal mining activities on water bodies, the Dormaahene’s picture of a declining incidence of illegal mining activities cannot be acceptable.

The water purification and distribution agency have had to take such difficult steps in the face of a consistent declining state of water at their intake points; muddied, arsenic and other heavy metals are proving too challenging to deal with.

The quantity of chemicals the water company must now use has to be increased, the cost and health implications of which should not be glossed over.

In the past eight months or so, food crops from galamsey areas are becoming toxic, a situation which has led to customers seeking to know the source of such items. The picture of reduced galamsey activities in the country as painted by the Dormaahene recently does not correspond with the reality on the grounds.

Last week, after becoming an Appeals Court judge, the Dormaahene gave a pass mark to the government for reducing illegal mining activities in the country.

The observation, a subtle commendation as it were for the government, went viral on especially political platforms because it was not in consonance with the reality on the ground.

The pitch of complaints about the seeming uncontrollable galamsey activities in the country is nearing rooftop, and attempts to change the narrative would incur the wrath of the people.

Our revered chiefs should especially be wary about how they jump into such delicate subjects lest they attract inappropriate reactions from their subjects.

Being custodians of our culture and regarded as representatives of our ancestors, we must be measured in dissecting and even responding to their remarks.

We are however in unchartered waters; the lives of the people have never been so threatened by an occupation which is not responding to treatment as represented by galamsey.

It is on this score that we wish to humbly tell the chief that his observation has attracted wry smiles among many Ghanaians who think that he could be observing the water bodies and forest reserves from another planet.

As a chief, he perhaps has not been briefed sufficiently by his subjects who might have not covered the galamsey hotspots.

National Security reports, restricted as they might be, offer a lot of insights into the galamsey menace.

The illegality has assumed an unprecedented rate, the reason for which reality is not farfetched. There is a certain brazenness among those engaged in the illegality which could be hinged upon the pre-election 2024 campaign promise to such persons by political actors.

The promise to release from imprisonment persons doing time because of their galamsey activities and the condemnation of sending soldiers to chase illegal miners both account for the boldness being exhibited by them.

That President John Mahama directed that Joseph Yamin and Abanga to be investigated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for their alleged complicity in illegal mining and the subsequent non-action in that direction suggests a non-commitment to fight and eliminate illegal mining.

The recent engagement with civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders on illegal mining is enough indication that matters regarding galamsey have come to a head.

Sending such signals to government about an abating galamsey is dangerous and does not help the cause of eliminating the menace.

The chief should seek another means of commending government but certainly not in the war against illegal mining, which from all indications has aggravated in scope and reach.

Highlife artiste, Kofi Kinaata, has revealed that his popularity in Kumasi has soared following an endorsement from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

In an interview with NY DJ on BTM Afrika, the multiple award-winning musician said the Asantehene’s public recognition of his work has greatly boosted his career, resulting in increased streaming figures, social media engagement, and new corporate performance opportunities.

‘Kumasi is becoming a hotspot for me, especially since the endorsement came. The endorsement did a lot for me. It brought in some corporate shows, and my numbers also increased,’ Kinaata said.

The Asantehene, during a Ghana Bar Association event in September 2024, singled out Kinaata’s hit song ‘Susuka’, praising its message of appreciation, humility, and wisdom.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, highlighted the song as an example of the richness of Ghanaian music and urged citizens to uphold values of gratitude and contentment.

Since then, Kofi Kinaata’s influence in the Ashanti Region has grown significantly, with fans and industry players alike recognising the impact of the royal endorsement on his career trajectory.

Many people out of ignorance of the lottery industry have stated that NLA should rather operate NLA 5/90 USSD and Web online lottery instead of Third Party Companies and Collaborators.

They argue that the NLA is also the only body mandated to operate lottery under Section 4 of the National Lotto Act, 2006(Act 722).

Respectfully, I would like to use this article to correct the misleading accounts, misinformation, disinformation, and misinterpretation of the Act 722 being championed by some media houses such us the Fourth Estate and Mr. Sulemana Briamah against the NLA-KGL license agreement because they think that NLA-KGL deal is not in the best interest of Ghana.

I will start by breaking down the practical implementation of Act 722 and the Lottery Regulations, 2008(L. I. 1948):

Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) under National Lotto Act, 2006(Act 722) and Lottery Regulations, 2008(L. I. 1948) has six main powers. They include:

Operational Powers

Regulatory Powers

Supervisory Powers

Management Powers

Collaboration/Partnership/Joint Venture Powers

Powers of the Board of NLA

These aforementioned powers can be seen under:

Section 4(1) of Act 722 which states that, ‘A person other than the Authority shall not operate any form of lottery’.

Section 35(1) of Act 722 which states that, ‘The Authority shall regulate, supervise, and manage National Lotto and ensure the enforcement of the laws relating to National Lotto’.

Operational Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948

The operational powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) are captured under:

(a). Section 2(2) of Act 722 which states that, ‘the National Lottery Authority established under Part II(see Section 34 of Act 722) shall be the institution to conduct national lotto.

(b. Section 4(1) of Act 722 which states that, ‘A person other than the Authority shall not operate any form of lottery’.

To operate lottery in Ghana to the public is NOT the same as to sell lottery products to the public or to regulate and supervise lottery by NLA.

Section 2(2) and Section 4(1) of Act 722 are implemented by using:

(1) Section 3 of Act 722 (Time and place for conducting National Lotto).

(2) Section 23 of Act 722 (Draw of National Lotto).

(3) Section 24 of Act 722 (Supervision of draw).

(4) Regulation 1 of L.I. 1948 (Lottery Draw Committee).

(5) Regulation 21 of L. I. 1948 (Draw of national lottery).

(6) Regulation 22 of L. I. 1948 (Supervision by the Lottery Draw Committee).

Hence, the operational powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) under Act 722 and Lottery Regulations, 2008 (L. I. 1948) is strictly about the Conduct and Supervision of Lotto Draws, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the sale of lottery tickets or products.

I wish to state categorically that, the argument put forward by Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate using Section 4(1) of Act 722 (Prohibition of lottery) to draw a conclusion that NLA has the sole power to sell Lotto directly to the public using the USSD and Web online instead of KGL Technology Limited is absolutely FALSE and totally misleading to the Public.

To operate lotto under Act 722 and L. I. 1948 means ‘to conduct and supervise lotto draws’, and it is solely the responsibility of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to conduct and supervise Lotto Draws in this country.

For the avoidance of any form of doubt, KGL Technology Limited has NOT breached the operational powers of NLA since the company has NEVER conducted or supervised its own Lotto Draws.

KGL Technology Limited ONLY uses the numbers drawn and supervised by the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

Regulatory Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948

The regulatory powers of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) involve:

Licensing of Lotto Marketing Companies and Collaborators.

Licensing of Private Lotto Operators using Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG), Act 844.

Ensuring Compliance and Enforcement of Act 722, L. I. 1948, and Section 22 of Act 844.

The regulatory powers of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) are implemented using:

Section 5 of Act 722 (Licensing of Lotto Marketing Companies).

Section 6 of Act 722 (Application for Lotto Marketing Companies).

Section 7 of Act 722 (Grant of license and license fee)

Section 8 of Act 722 (Requirements for Lotto Marketing Companies).

Section 9 of Act 722 (Duties of Lotto Marketing Companies.

Section 10 of Act 722 (Publication of Lotto Marketing License).

Section 11 of Act 722 (Suspension or revocation of license).

Section 12 of Act 722 (Renewal of license).

Section 13 of Act 722 (Non-transferability of license).

Section 14 of Act 722 (Offences in respect of a Lotto Marketing license).

Section 18 of Act 722 (Prohibition in relation to coupons).

Section 19 of Act 722 (Offences in relation to a coupon).

Section 20 of Act 722 (Participation in National lotto and purchase of coupons).

Section 27 of Act 722 (Offences in relation to National Lotto Draw).

Section 29 of Act 722 (Foreign lottery).

Section 30 of Act 722 (Repeated Offences).

Section 31 of Act 722 (Seizure and forfeiture of objects used for or relating to Offence).

Regulation 2 of L. I. 1948 (Licensing of Lotto Marketing Companies).

Regulation 3 of L. I. 1948 (Renewal of a license).

Regulation 5 of L. I. 1948 (Grounds for suspension or revocation of a license).

Regulation 12 of L. I. 1948 (Online lottery).

Regulation 17 of. L. I. 1948 (Offences relating to sale of coupons).

KGL Technology Limited was licensed to sell NLA 5/90 lottery products via USSD and Web online under the regulatory powers of the National Lottery Authority(NLA) especially based on: Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13 of Act 722, as well as Regulations 12 of L. I. 1948.

Therefore, any argument put forward by the Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah against the NLA-KGL license Agreement is completely BOGUS, and without any form of legal justification.

Supervisory Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948

The supervisory powers of the National Lottery Authority are implemented using:

Section 15 of Act 722 (Issue of Coupons).

Section 16 of Act 722 (Supply of coupons to Lotto Marketing Companies).

Section 17 of Act 722 (Validity of Coupons).

Section 21 of Act 722 (The duties of a participant in National lotto).

Section 22 of Act 722 (Acceptance of a stake).

Regulation 6 of L. I. 1948 (Prohibitions).

Regulation 7 of L. I. 1948 (Sale of lottery).

Regulation 10 of L. I. 1948 (Official closure of lottery game).

Regulation 18 of L. I. 1948 (Duties of staker).

Regulation 19 of L.I.1948 (Acceptance of stakes).

Regulation 20 of L. I. 1948 (Deposit of counterfoil books).

Regulation 26 of L. I. 1948 (Supply of identification numbers).

Regulation 27 of L. I. 1948 (Forfeiture of security).

Regulation 30 of L.I.1948 (Discontinuance of existing lottery and introduction of new lottery).

Regulation 31 of L.I.1948 (Suspension of lottery activity).

It is only the Board of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) that supervises the business activities of KGL Technology Limited, and appropriately reviews the existing agreements between the Authority and KGL Technology Limited.

Therefore, the allegations by Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate should be completely ignored.

Mr. Sulemana Briamah and the Fourth Estate have also FAILED to establish any form of corruption or suspected corruption regarding the NLA-KGL License Agreement.

Management Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948

According to Section 35(2) of the National Lotto Act, 2006(Act 722), ‘The Authority SHALL NOT RETAIL Lotto coupons to lotto stakers’.

Clearly, Section 35(2) of Act 722 completely defeats the arguments put forward by Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate regarding the NLA-KGL deal.

How would NLA manage the NLA 5/90 USSD and Web online lottery since Section 35(2) of Act 722 doesn’t give any power to NLA to retail lottery products to the staking public?

However, the management powers of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) are implemented using:

Section 25 of Act 722 (Winnings).

Section 26 of Act 722 (Prizes).

Section 28 of Act 722 (Commission).

Section 32 of Act 722 (Lotto Account).

Section 33 of Act 722 (Deficit in Lotto Account to be a charge on Consolidated Fund).

Regulation 4 of L. I. 1948 (Security deposit for license).

Regulation 8 of L. I. 1948 (Instant lottery and scratch lottery).

Regulation 9 of L. I. 1948 (Procedures for claim of instant prizes).

Regulation 11 of L. I. 1948 (Instant ticket validation requirements).

Regulation 32 of L. I. 1948 (Prize disbursement account).

Collaboration/Partnership/Joint Venture Powers of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948

The National Lottery Authority (NLA) under:

Section 2(4) of Act 722 can operate any other game of chance or enter into collaboration, partnership or joint venture with any person, society, association, or corporate entity, to operate a game of chance in accordance with existing laws but losses from the game of chance, the collaboration, partnership or joint venture shall not be compensated for by the State or from the Lotto Account provided for under section 32.

Based on the provisions under Section 2(4), there is absolutely no basis for the brouhaha coming from Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate regarding the collaboration and partnership between NLA and KGL.

Also, if through this partnership, all the losses are on the head of KGL, why must we then create an impression that KGL benefits more than the State?

Regulation 12 of L. I. 1948 states that, ‘the Board may authorise the Director-General to select, operate, and contract for the operation of online lottery which shall be subject to some conditions as stated in the Lottery Regulations.

The NLA-KGL deal is strongly backed by Regulations 12, 13, and 14 of Lottery Regulations, 2008(L. I. 1948).

Based on the provisions captured under Regulations 12, 13 and 14 of L. I. 1948, the Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah have absolutely NO case against the NLA-KGL deal. This gives strong backing to the public perception that KGL was targeted by some faceless financiers of Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate.

Powers of the Board of NLA under Act 722 and L. I. 1948

The Board of National Lottery Authority (NLA) has been given the power to devise methods to help maximize the revenue generated by the Authority for the State(Section 37(d) of Act 722) in full alignment with Section 2(1) of Act 22 which states that, ‘National lotto shall be conducted for the purpose of raising revenue for the nation and for other purposes stated in this Act.’

The NLA-KGL deal is so far the best license agreement ever issued by the Board of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

The record speaks for itself as compared to some licenses issued to other Lotto Marketing Companies, Private Lotto Operators, and Collaborators.

Absolutely, none of the license agreements issued by the National Lottery Authority (NLA) to private companies have been able to deliver massive financial resources to the NLA which is higher than what KGL has delivered to the NLA from 2019 up-to-date.

I would like to boldly state that, for the first time, Sulemana Briamah and the Fourth Estate have completely and totally gotten it WRONG with their investigation regarding NLA-KGL License Agreement.

The NLA-KGL deal is the best so far, and we all must encourage the partnership between these two entities with the patriotic aim of demanding more money for the State as the business of KGL Technology Limited keep expanding.

We should not tolerate or encourage unnecessary commentaries against the NLA-KGL license Agreement from Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate because it seems they are doing so out of ignorance or perhaps personal agenda borne out of bitterness, envy, and jealousy.

Wrong Interpretation of Section 2(3) of Act 722 by Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah

According to the Fourth Estate, money meant for the poor and mentally afflicted were given away to the rich, citing Section 2(3) of Act 722, which states that, ‘there shall be conducted as part of the operation of National Lotto, a lottery with the object of providing care and protection for the physically or mentally afflicted, needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children’.

Per Section 2(3) of Act 722, the NLA as part of its operation(not full operations) is supposed to introduce a lottery product with the specific objective of raising revenue to provide care and protection for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children. This does not mean that all revenues generated by NLA are meant for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children.

Since the enactment of Act 722, the NLA has NOT been able as part of its operations to conduct a lottery with the object of providing care and protection for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children as stated in Section 2(3) of Act 722.

The NLA 5/90 is NOT a lottery product conducted for the purposes of raising revenue to satisfy the provision of Section 2(3) of Act 722. If NLA want to satisfy the provisions of Section 2(3), the Authority has to conduct a new lottery with that specific objective but unfortunately the Authority has NOT been able to implement Section 2(3) of Act 722.

Therefore, it doesn’t make sense for Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah to LIE to the general public that NLA revenue is strictly for providing care and protection to the poor, physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans and destitute children.

If Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah are honest and fair enough then they should do flyers to highlight ALL the beneficiaries of the NLA Good Causes Foundation and share such flyers with the Ghanaian people through their various social media platforms?

The decision of Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate to deliberately design flyers and write stories about selected few beneficiaries of NLA Good Causes Foundation, leaving out the rest of the beneficiaries’ amount to the highest level of unprofessionalism and unethical journalism.

It is very important to state that, revenues generated by NLA are meant for the Consolidated Fund as captured under Section 32(4) of Act 722, not strictly for the physically or mentally afflicted, the needy, the aged, orphans, and destitute children.

Also, National Lottery Authority (NLA) shall meet its operational and capital expenditure from the Lotto Fund as stated in Section 50 of Act 722.

Finally, the Facts and Data proves that, NLA has NEVER generated GHS 3 billion business in a single year in the absence of KGL License Agreement. It is therefore misleading to state that NLA has given away GHS 3 billion Business to KGL because KGL itself started operations from zero, it took huge investments, IT Infrastructure development, Systems Integration, and marketing to reach where they are now with absolutely ZERO investments and support from the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

The only thing NLA does for KGL is the issuance of License and conduct of Lotto Draws.

It is equally important for Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah to consider also, the 60-70% of the GHS 3 billion which goes into payment of winners of national lotto.

For instance, NLA used 8years from 2013-2020 to generate GHS 2, 766, 159, 507(GHS 2.7 billion) and out of this GHS 2.7 billion, the NLA used GHS 1, 378, 104, 374(GHS 1.3 billion) to pay Winners of National Lotto.

Also, out of that same GHS 2.7 billion, the NLA:

Transferred GHS 182, 009, 000(GHS 180 million) to the Consolidated Fund, an amount which is far less than what KGL has paid to NLA even within a 2-year period of 2024-2025.

used GHS 553, 014, 988(over GHS 500 million) to pay commission to Lotto Marketing Companies.

The Lotto Marketing Companies earned more money than the Consolidated Fund and the NLA itself based on the existing revenue sharing agreement between Lotto Marketing Companies and the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

used GHS 153, 302, 459(over GHS 150 million) to pay fees to the Technical Service Providers such as Lots Services Ghana Limited and Simnet Ghana Limited.

For the purpose of education, it is well noted that:

(a). Lots Services Ghana Limited has 15 years contract with NLA subject to renewal for another 15 years after expiration.

(b). Simnet Ghana Limited has 10 years contract with NLA subject to renewal for another 10 years after expiration.

(c). NLA has also signed 10-15years license agreement with some Private Lotto Operators in 2024.

used the rest of the revenue for payment of GPRS Fees to Telecos, Suppliers of Thermal Paper Rolls, and Administrative and General Expenses of the Authority.

Asking for value for money should not mean that we should become mischievous, and diabolical in our demands for public accountability.

Real Problems at the NLA

The real problems at NLA that Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah should take an interest in if they are indeed serving the interest of the public and not their personal agenda are as follows:

Illegal lottery operators and agents controlling about 80% of the lottery industry across the country who pays absolutely nothing to NLA and GRA.

Some of these illegal lottery operators have been in the industry for the past 30-40years without any records of payments to NLA and GRA.

Procurement contracts to some Technical Service Providers whereby they are freely enjoying 6% on every gross revenue generated by NLA via the Point of Sale Terminals.

Payment of 25% Commission to the Lotto Marketing Companies based on the gross revenue generated by NLA. This is very outrageous when compared to other countries operating lottery.

I am seriously surprised that, Sulemana Briamah and Fourth Estate are not interested in the aforementioned 3 real problems at the NLA but rather wasting their energy and time on KGL which is giving value to NLA and GRA concurrently.

Even if KGL cease running NLA 5/90 USSD and Web Online lottery right now, which section(s) of Act 722 and L. I. 1948 has stated that, NLA by itself can retail 5/90 lottery via USSD and Web online lottery? Absolutely none.

The NLA would still have to rely on another Lotto Marketing company to run the NLA 5/90 USSD and Web online lottery if KGL cease the running of the NLA 5/90 USSD and Web Online lottery.

So, where from this useless noise from Fourth Estate and Sulemana Briamah against NLA-KGL deal?

POPULAR Ghanaian funeral mourner Maame Ode, known in real life as Mary Ode Bonsu, has stated that her buttocks is natural, reasons why she’s able to shake them off during occasions.

The Kumasi-based funeral mourner and traditional dancer, in an interview, stated that many people believes that she use hip pad to create a more defined and curvy silhouette for confidence-boosting, making her body appear more shapely and feminine.

‘I don’t use hip pad when dancing, that’s why my buttocks moves rhythmically to the tune of the song,’ she disclosed.

Known for her popular hit song ‘Apuutor’, Maame Ode gained prominence not only for her innuendo-inspired songs but for being a professional mourner, one paid to cry at funeral grounds.

Interestingly, Maame Ode charges clients based on the number of days her services are required, and she’s been in the business for over a decade. She’s also known for her resilience and faith, often ignoring critics and staying focused on her work.

Recently, Maame Ode was seen supporting her benefactor, Maame Serwaa, after a devastating fire destroyed several shops, including Maame Serwaa’s boutique, at the Adum PZ market in Kumasi. The fire resulted in significant losses, with Maame Serwaa’s boutique losing over GHS150,000 worth of goods.

Mining magnate Angela List, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nguvu Mining, has been honoured with the 2025 Global Power Female Award, one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for accomplished businesswomen.

The award was presented at a high-profile ceremony in New York, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Global Power Female Award celebrates women who have redefined leadership and created enduring social impact.

It is organised by the Global Power Forum (GPF), a collaboration between the Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) and the African Leadership Organisation (ALO).

The event brought together Heads of State, First Ladies, global business leaders, and changemakers from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora.

Angela List made history as the first Ghanaian to receive the award, which organisers described as a tribute to her ‘journey, accomplishments, and bold leadership.’

She was also inducted into the Global Power Women Network (GPWN), an exclusive platform for influential women shaping business, policy, and development worldwide.

With over two decades in the mining industry, Ms. List has built an impressive career marked by resilience and vision.

Her company, Nguvu Mining, operates across Mali, Liberia, and Burkina Faso, and owns Adamus Resources Limited in Ghana and Northern Ashanti Mines, expected to begin production in early 2026.

Nguvu currently produces around 150,000 ounces of gold annually, with projections to reach 200,000 ounces once Northern Ashanti comes on stream.

Expressing gratitude, Angela commended her team’s dedication to safety, excellence, and community development.

‘Our commitment to shared prosperity in the communities we operate is what drives me,’ she said.

As gold prices soar, rising from $1,990 per ounce in 2023 to nearly $3,800 in 2025, Ms. List noted that Nguvu’s host communities will benefit directly.

‘Whenever gold prices rise, our contributions to community welfare automatically increase. We are changing the narrative in mining by making a profound difference in people’s lives,’ she affirmed.

She acknowledged the challenges women face in the male-dominated mining sector and urged more women to take leadership roles.

‘There can be no excuses. We must perform and pave the way for others. Soon, many more women will rise as mining professionals and executives,’ Angela said.

The 2025 Global Power Forum was headlined by leaders including former Tanzanian President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete and Bahamian Prime Minister, Philip Davis, underscoring its global significance.

The Ghana Railway Company has been dealt a big blow as illegal miners have completely taken over one of its most profitable lines-the Takoradi-Nsuta Rail Line.

The company hauls large volumes of manganese from Nsuta to the Takoradi Port for export using the line.

The Takoradi-Nsuta line therefore, does not only sustain the company’s operations but also supports the Sekondi-Takoradi passenger train service.

However, years of neglect and poor maintenance of the line had led to frequent derailments, which has crippled the company’s ability to sustain its haulage operations.

Even attempts by the Ghana Manganese Company and other stakeholders to revive the line have not been successful.

DAILY GUIDE has gathered that currently, haulage has been grounded to a halt, leaving the company in financial distress.

The situation has worsened as illegal small-scale miners, also called galamseyers, have taken over sections of the Takoradi-Nsuta line.

Recent pictures and videos circulating on social media reveal young men mining directly beneath and around the tracks at Achem, between Bonsawire and Nsuta in the Western Region, destroying several metres of the line.

The illegal miners are seen seriously mining for gold behind the construction company working on the new standard gauge line.

The illegal miners appear unconcerned about the consequences of their actions on the line and the environment.

Some of the residents reported that the galamseyers’ activities are taking place close to the new standard gauge line, which is a multi-million-dollar project initiated by the previous government.

As part of the project, rail lines have already been laid up to Manso in the Essikado-Ketan area, with land formation completed up to Esuaso before Bonsawire.

The encroachment by the galamseyers therefore threatens to derail the investment before it even becomes operational.

The extent of the damage suggests the activity has been ongoing for a long time, raising questions about how such destruction could occur without it being detected.

The residents claim that the destruction of the Takoradi-Nsuta line is part of a long thread of devastation caused by galamsey in the area.

‘Water bodies have been polluted and now, rail lines belonging to Ghana Railway Company Limited, which is already begging for attention, are under siege,’ they lamented.

In an interview with DAILY GUIDE, an official from the Ghana Railway Company in the Western Region noted that the company is aware of the situation, adding, ‘But you know this is beyond us.’

He then appealed to the National Security to assist the company by patrolling the area to prevent the galamseyers from destroying the lines further.