Ghana's National Lottery Authority becomes Observer Member of European Lotteries Association

The European Lotteries (EL) Association granted Observer Membership status to the National Lottery Authority (NLA) of Ghana on Monday. The decision was made during the General Assembly of the EL Industry Days Seminar, being held in Salzburg, Austria from June 16 to 19.

The 45 member countries present at the event voted unanimously to grant the NLA Observer Membership status. This milestone follows a compelling presentation by NLA Director-General Samuel Awuku at the EL Public Seminar Order in Brussels in February 2024, where he discussed the challenges of illegal gambling in Ghana and made a strong case for NLA's inclusion.

Following Awuku’s presentation, EL Secretary General Arjan Van T’ Veer invited the NLA to formally apply for Observer Membership. The application process required the submission of the NLA’s financial statements, details of its expenditure on good causes, and responsible gaming certification. Having met these criteria, the NLA’s Observer Membership was approved.

Ghana is now the second African country to receive Observer Membership in the EL, following Morocco. The current Observer Members of the EL include Satty Zhuldyz JSC of Kazakhstan, Loterie Nationale Morocco, La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports of Morocco, and the NLA of Ghana.

Observer status allows the NLA and its stakeholders to participate freely in EL training, capacity-building initiatives, and exchange programs on best practices in the lottery industry. EL is present in 39 countries across Europe, with a total of 70 members, 50 of which operate within EU member states and 20 in non-EU member states.

Awuku expressed his gratitude to the EL for this opportunity, stating that it will enhance the NLA’s operations and bolster its international standing as the Authority strives to become the leading lottery organization in Africa. He also commended his dedicated team, including the Governing Board, management, and staff, for their collective efforts in achieving this milestone for the NLA.

The meeting was also attended by World Lottery Association (WLA) officials, including President Rebeccah Paul and General Secretary Lynne Roiterg.