The Director-General of the National Lottery Authority(NLA), Samuel Awuku, has assured the public that the Authority is committed to ensuring fairness in the industry, stating that everyone should have a fair chance to win.

Speaking at the Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards in Accra, he said “Let me reassure the public that the NLA is committed to ensuring fairness in the industry”.

Board Chairman of the NLA, Gary Nimako-Marfo called for a merger between the NLA and the Gaming Commission to streamline regulatory processes.

He also mentioned that the NLA had issued licenses to 28 lottery companies whose licenses had expired earlier this year while warning about the negative impact of unlicensed and illegal companies on the industry, stating, "Their operations are harming the industry in Ghana."

Alex Apau Dadey, the Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Council (GIPC), also advised gaming and lottery operators to innovate beyond their industries and collaborate to drive growth and job creation.

Focus on ethical and responsible gaming

A Deputy Attorney General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, representing the Attorney General, emphasized the importance of ethical and responsible gaming practices.

She highlighted the awards as a way to showcase individuals and companies that exemplify these values, serving as a benchmark for the industry.

Applause for award winners

CEO of Syndicated Entertainment Solutions, Manuella Frempomaa Ansong, congratulated the award winners, acknowledging their significant contributions to the gaming and lottery sectors.

"You have made an indelible mark on your respective industries, and we are here to applaud your achievements," she said.

Full list of award winners

Gaming Operator of the Year – Millionaires Casino Ghana Limited

Private Lottery Operator of the Year – Alpha Lotto Limited

Responsible Gaming Initiative Award – BetPawa (Choplife Gaming Limited)

Responsible Lottery Initiative Award – Rand Lottery Co. Ltd

Innovation in Gaming Technology - BetPawa (Choplife Gaming Limited)

Innovation in Lottery Technology – Wulucky Ghana Limited

Customer Service Excellence (Gaming) – Golden Dragon Casino Ghana Limited

Customer Service Excellence (Lottery) – Blue Star Hi-Tech

Marketing Campaign of the Year (Gaming) - BetPawa (Choplife Gaming Limited)

Marketing Campaign of the Year (Lottery) – Alpha Lotto Limited

Regulatory Compliance Award (Gaming) - Wingatebet Ltd.

Regulatory Compliance Award (Lottery) - Rand Lottery Co. Ltd.

Lifetime Achievement Award (Gaming) - Hon. Peter Mireku (CEO, Gaming Commission of Ghana)

Lifetime Achievement Award (Lottery) - Dr. George Gyamfi (Industry Expert, NCA)

Non-Corporate Lotto Marketing Company of the Year - Ms. Mercy Emefa Avorgbedor

Corporate Lotto Marketing Company of the Year - Mr. Francis Opoku (Money Zone Co. Ltd)

Chief Executive Officer of the Year (Gaming) - Ms. Sharon Close (CEO of Millionaires Casino Ghana Ltd)

Chief Executive Officer of the Year (Lottery) – Kenneth Kwame Asare, CEO of Alpha Lotto Ltd)

Special Recognition Award (Gaming Commission of Ghana) – Peter Mireku

Special Recognition Award (NLA) – Samuel Awuku