Ghana Business Chamber Defends NLA Lottery Licensing Deal with KGL Technology

Historical Revenue Data Disputes Valuation Claims

CIBI challenged the media reports by citing NLA historical revenue figures. Specifically, the organization stated that “Fourth Estate lied to the public about the annual revenue of a €204.7m business of NLA being given away to KGL based on the aforementioned data.” Moreover, NLA’s highest annual revenue before KGL involvement reached only €27.4 million in 2017. Therefore, total revenue from 2013 to 2020 amounted to €188.8 million with €94.1 million allocated to prize payouts.

KGL operates the 5/90 lottery through USSD and web platforms under an exclusive license. Subsequently, the company manages technical infrastructure, daily operations, marketing, and prize distributions. Consequently, KGL assumes all operational risks associated with lottery management. Previous attempts by NLA and private operators to run digital lottery services failed in 2008, 2015, and 2019-2020.

Contract Payments Exceed Historical Government Contributions

CIBI emphasized that KGL’s annual €11.6 million payments to the Consolidated Fund surpass individual contributions made by NLA from 2013-2020. The organization stated that “the amount of money paid by KGL to NLA from 2019-2024 exceeds the amount of money paid by NLA itself to the Consolidated Fund from 2013-2024 and this is the absolute fact.” Additionally, KGL has consistently met quarterly payment obligations to NLA and tax requirements to Ghana Revenue Authority.

The dispute highlights ongoing debates over lottery licensing and digital gambling revenue management in Ghana. However, CIBI maintains the agreement strengthens lottery operations while delivering consistent state revenue. Nevertheless, media scrutiny continues regarding the 15-year contract term and automatic five-year renewal provision built into the 2024 agreement structure.