The Board Chairman of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Gary Nimako Marfo, has stated the Authority's commitment to streamlining and sanitising Ghana’s lottery industry.

Speaking at the inaugural Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards 2024 in Accra, he highlighted the NLA’s role as a regulator and vowed to uphold industry standards.

The awards, organised by Syndicated Entertainment Solution Limited in partnership with the Gaming Commission of Ghana and the NLA, aimed to celebrate excellence within the gaming and lottery sectors.

The event recognised key players for their innovation, customer service, and adherence to best practices.

“I expect maximum cooperation from our operators as we embark on this journey. Together with our co-regulators, we will champion reforms to enhance the industry,” Mr Marfo said.

He praised Syndicated Entertainment Solution for using the platform to celebrate industry players, especially operators and retailers who have contributed significantly over the years.

Mr Marfo also highlighted the industry's impact on society, noting that it has sustained families and supported numerous government initiatives.

He pointed out that globally, lotteries have contributed trillions to social causes, with the World Lottery Association reporting over $83 billion dedicated to good causes in 2022.

“In Ghana, we are doing our part as members of the World Lottery Association to contribute to worthy causes,” Mr Marfo added, commending operators for their cooperation with regulators.

He urged operators to focus not only on profits but also on ensuring the welfare of their patrons.

Deputy Attorney General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to combatting illegal gaming and lottery activities.

She noted that the awards served as motivation for the industry to maintain ethical practices and promote national development.

NLA Director-General Samuel Awuku applauded Syndicated Entertainment Solution for organizing the event and shining a light on the unsung heroes of the industry.

“To our operators, retailers, agents, and everyone in the value chain, your tireless service has sustained the industry. We celebrate you today,” he said.

The awards are 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. Limtd, lnnovation in Gaming Technology – BetPawa (Choplife Gaming Limited), lnnovation in Lottery Technology – Wulucky Ghana Limited and Customer Service Excellence (Gaming) – Golden Dragon Casino Ghana Limited.  

Others are 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 Limited, Regulatory Compliance Award (Lottery) – Rand Lottery Co. Limtd and Lifetime Achievement Award (Gaming) – Mr Peter Mireku (CEO, Gaming Commission of Ghana).  

The rest are 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. Limtd), Chief Executive Officer of the Year (Gaming) – Ms Sharon Close (CEO of Millionaires Casino Ghana Limtd), Chief Executive Officer of the Year (Lottery) – Kenneth Kwame Asare, CEO of Alpha Lotto Limtd),  Special Recognition Award (Gaming Commission of Ghana) – Peter Mireku and Special Recognition Award (NLA) – Samuel Awuku.  

CEO of Syndicated Entertainment Solutions, Manuella Fremponmaa Ansong, highlighted the positive impact of lotteries and games of chance, noting their ability to inspire hope and support important causes within communities.

The event culminated in a celebration of gaming and lottery leaders who have upheld excellence, responsibility, and innovation within the industries.