Hassan Ayariga Pushes for urgent reforms in 5/90 Digital Lottery to End KGL's Monopoly

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Hassan Ayariga Pushes for urgent reforms in 5/90 Digital Lottery to End KGL's Monopoly

The founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga has urged the government to take decisive steps to end the monopoly control by KGL Technology Limited in the Ghana’s 5/90 digital lottery.

 He called for the immediate termination of what he described as the "exclusivity clauses" and open the space to other qualified digital lotto operators in order to build a transparent licensing regime, and ensure full revenue accountability under the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

In a press release issued in Accra on April 22, 2026, Dr. Ayariga said the ongoing review of agreements between the NLA and KGL Technology Limited, as directed by President John Dramani Mahama, presents a critical opportunity to correct what he termed as "systemic imbalances" in the lottery sector.

He argued that the granting of exclusive control over digital and USSD platforms of the 5/90 lottery to a single private company has created a de facto monopoly that undermines national interest.

According to him, the arrangement restricts competition and innovation, limits opportunities for other capable Ghanaian businesses, weakens transparency and oversight, and raises concerns about compliance with the Ghanaian law.

“No single private entity should wield such disproportionate control over a national revenue-generating asset,” he stressed.

Dr. Ayariga maintained that the current structure appears inconsistent with the legal framework governing the lottery industry, noting that the NLA Act designates the Authority as the sole operator of lotteries in Ghana, with private sector participation limited to Lotto Marketing Companies operating under its supervision.

He cautioned that any arrangement that transfers operational dominance or financial control to a private entity contradicts both the letter and spirit of the law. He also warned against selective enforcement of regulations.

The APC leader further called for a level playing field that guarantees equal opportunity for Ghanaian innovators, technology firms and investors. Saying, "competition is essential for efficiency, innovation and value creation.

Dr. Ayariga also expressed concern over declining contributions from the lottery sector to the national purse, and questioned whether the current system adequately serves the interests of the Ghanaian people.

“A system that concentrates control while limiting transparency cannot inspire public confidence. Ghanaians deserve a lottery system that is fair, transparent, competitive and fully accountable.

Dr. Ayariga described President Mahama’s directive as a defining test of leadership and urged the authorities to prioritise national interest over entrenched advantages.

Source: Edmond Gyebi