A Ghanaian citizen has requested extensive financial and operational records from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Lottery Authority (NLA). Mr. Ayisah Foster, managing editor of The Punch Newspaper, filed these requests using the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989).
His applications, dated May 10, 2026, seek information on taxation, licensing, revenues, and regulatory compliance. The queries cover lottery and gaming companies operating in Ghana, with data requested for periods ranging from 2012 to 2025. This includes specific details on taxes collected, licence fees received, and revenue generated from mobile lottery platforms.
This action comes amidst ongoing discussions about transparency and accountability in Ghana's financial sector. The RTI Act allows citizens to access information held by public institutions, enhancing public oversight. Such requests contribute to a broader push for better governance and responsible financial management within state-owned bodies and related industries. The lottery sector, in particular, often generates substantial revenue, making its financial practices a subject of public interest.
Mr. Foster's requests challenge previous assertions regarding the NLA's contributions to the national budget. He seeks documentary evidence to verify claims that the NLA generated revenues or profits between GHS 500 million and GHS 3 billion for the Consolidated Fund from 2007 to 2020. This indicates a focus on substantiating public financial statements with verifiable data.
These formal requests will likely intensify scrutiny on Ghana’s lottery and gaming industry. Decision-makers and the public will be watching how the GRA and NLA respond to these requests. The RTI Act mandates that public institutions reply to information requests within set timelines, barring specific legal exemptions. This process could reveal important insights into the operations and financial health of these vital sectors.
The requests specifically target 36 lottery and gaming companies for tax information from the GRA between 2020 and 2025. Notable firms include KGL Technology Limited, Onassis Sports Limited, and Alpha Lotto Limited. For the NLA, Mr. Foster seeks data on licence fees and revenues from 33 lottery-related companies. He also asks for payment details made to technical service providers like Lots-Services Ghana Limited and SIMNET Ghana Limited.
Furthermore, the applications inquire about revenues from mobile lottery short codes *890#, *896#, and *859#. Mr. Foster wants to know if the companies operating these platforms are properly licensed. He also requested details on penalties imposed for any unauthorised operations.
The NLA application also seeks historical financial records, including total current liabilities from 2012 to 2020. It requests annual revenues from the Authority’s 5/90 lottery product, total prize payouts, and yearly lotto win ratios. Mr. Foster has also sought information on commissions paid to marketing companies selling lottery products nationwide. He specifically requests the revenue accrued to the NLA from live lottery draws conducted by Alpha Lotto Limited on Ghana Television (GTV). This request cites provisions of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722) and the Lottery Regulations, 2008 (L.I. 1948).
Copies of these significant applications have been sent to the Ministry of Finance and the board chairpersons of both the GRA and NLA. The outcome of these requests will significantly impact perceptions of transparency and financial accountability in Ghana's public sector.