Private Lotto Operators Accuse Gov�t of Double Standards

The Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) has expressed its reservations about remarks made by the Hon. Min of Finance, Dr. Kwabena Duffour, at the inauguration of the new Board of the National Lottery Authority (NLA). GLOA says it is deeply saddened and regrets the failure by the Hon Finance Minister to mention the practical measures being taken by the NDC Government towards the liberalization of the lottery industry in Ghana, with greater participation of the private Sector. At a press briefing in Accra addressed by Mr. Seth Asante Amoani, Secretary of GLOA, the private lotto operators body said, in spite of constant interactions with government, to fashion out best modalities of ensuring that Ghana�s private sector does not lose out its stake in the lottery business to shady foreign partners of the NLA, government has abandoned its promise to the private sector in the lottery business. The group also accused the President Mills administration of reneging on its promise made to them during the 2008 general elections by sidelining the private lotto operators. Later in an interview with PEACEFM News during the 6pm bulletin, Mr. Seth Asante Amoani, said Mr. Duffuor�s remarks on that occasion where he admonished the new board to speed up the automation process by the first quarter of 2010, as well as introduce �dividend game� as the future of the lottery business in Ghana, without acknowledging their (GLOAs) role smacks of insincerity on the part of government. �I wish to state that much as the NLA may desire to maintain its monopoly over dividend lottery in Ghana, the NDC government must carefully consider its much touted anticipated benefits as against the NLA�s performance so far, and check the records to decide whether private sector participation cannot improve the national revenues at any point in time,� he said. He reminded the NDC government not to take for granted the contributions of GLOA towards the party�s electoral victory, but rather see GLOA as a real partner in the development of Ghana in the years ahead. ��It is our considered opinion that any attempt to neglect the private sector in the commencement of dividend lottery in Ghana will affect the local capacity for job-creation, and impact on revenue-generation for supporting district assemblies and national development,� he added.