Thousands of Lotto Operators have expressed their displeasure about the National Lottery Authority (NLA)’s directive to Lotto Operators to enforce a 20% commission.
According to the angry Lotto writers, they are surprised why their commission should be reduced especially at this time of economic hardship period.
They expressed their frustration during a stakeholder meeting with the Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) and the Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG).
The emergency meeting had an agenda of Sensitisation and mode of enforcement of the 20% commission to Writers as directed by NLA.
Some of the Lotto writers were clad in red and holding placards that read, “we don’t want any 20% but 40% instead, Sammy Awuku must go, leave Banker to banker alone, 20% of what, we no go gre, chop chop money keke, Sammy Awuku” among others.
Some chanted “we want 40%, we want 40% and added that if you can’t increase their commission then nobody should reduce it”.
The Executive Secretary of Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana, Mr Tawiah Duah giving his speech said “It has become necessary to convene a meeting between Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA), Private Lotto Operators (PLO), Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana (CLAAG) and Lotto Writers because about a week ago, an announcement was made by GLOA and PLO in the media that effective that day (31st October 2022) commissions paid to lotto writers were reduced from 30% to 2o%. That meant a whopping 10% reduction in their income levels.”
He noted that the announcement was implemented and was met by agitated writers given the already existing hardship in the economy.
Mr Tawiah Duah said the situation has therefore resulted in several incidents of near altercations between Lotto Writers and their respective Agents.
This is coupled with numerous outpouring of angered writers expressing themselves through voice calls, WhatsApp and SMS messages to our offices and Executive Officers demanding sustained nationwide demonstrations against the reduction until such times that will be reversed.
GLOA, PLO and CLAAG have therefore convened this important meeting to calm the nerves of Lotto Writers as CLAAG has already written to National Lottery Authority (NLA) to register its grievances about the reduction in commissions.
“It is our hope to seek an amicable solution to the Problem at hand, of course with the active participation of GLOA.
If, however by Friday, 11th November 2022, the matter has not been resolved, CLAAG will again invite its members to reconvene and decide on its next line of action.” He added
All the members of the Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) were present to listen to the concerns of the Lotto Agents and the Lotto writers.
The Chairman of GLOA, Noah Afonope assured the Lotto Agents and Operators to rest assured and believes that something good will come out of their meeting with NLA.