The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has appealed for calm among its staff and local union, following industrial action stemming from concerns over working conditions and salaries. The NLA management issued a statement on Friday, June 12, 2026, acknowledging the staff's grievances.
A key point of disagreement is the 2026 salary increment. The local union demanded a 17 to 18 percent salary increase. However, due to budgetary constraints, the NLA Board approved a 12 percent raise for staff. This has led the union to declare a deadlock in negotiations, prompting both parties to seek intervention from the National Labour Commission.
The current dispute aligns with national trends where public sector unions frequently negotiate for better remuneration to offset economic pressures. Ghana's annual inflation rate reached 23.2% in May 2026, exacerbating real wage declines for many workers. This places additional pressure on state-owned enterprises like the NLA to balance employee demands with fiscal realities and revenue generation targets. Such industrial actions periodically disrupt services and highlight the ongoing challenge of managing public sector wages within tight budgets in Ghana.
Director General Mr. Mohammed Abdul-Salam leads the NLA. The NLA and the local union are scheduled to meet with the National Labour Commission to seek redress. This formal dispute resolution mechanism is a standard procedure in Ghana's labor relations system for resolving such impasses.
Beyond salaries, the NLA is also addressing concerns about obsolete Point of Sale (POS) machines. The Authority partnered with Fidelity Bank to procure 5,000 new devices. This project aims to expand market access for retailers and improve regulatory oversight. The new devices will also facilitate instant prize payments of up to GHS 30,000. Launched in February 2026, the project is nearing full implementation.
On staff welfare, the NLA has secured a broker through the National Insurance Commission. It appointed a service provider to oversee the Authority's health insurance scheme. Premiums have been paid, and staff enrolment efforts are underway. The Authority also recognized concerns about the poor condition of its vehicles. It submitted a request for approval to procure new vehicles to the Ministry of Finance.
The NLA's Governing Board considered a proposed Scheme of Service. It forwarded this proposal to the Public Services Commission for approval and implementation. Management also refuted allegations regarding the outsourcing of key payment-processing software maintenance to a former staff member. These improvements aim to enhance operational efficiency and staff satisfaction.
The Authority reported significant improvements in prize payments, which contributed to a 12 percent increase in revenue in 2025. Staff bonuses have been paid, and all outstanding statutory obligations are cleared. This includes payments to SSNIT (Social Security and National Insurance Trust) and provident fund contributions. While acknowledging that some concerns predate the current administration, management reiterated its commitment to resolving outstanding issues. The welfare and interest of staff remain a priority for the NLA, aiming for a conducive working environment and efficient tools.