The Director-General of Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has called on global gaming stakeholders to intensify efforts against illegal gambling, warning of its growing impact on economies and livelihoods.
Speaking at the 2026 European Lotteries Industry Days in Marrakesh, Morocco, Abdul-Salam addressed over 200 participants from Europe and Africa under the theme “Lotteries Bridging Continents.” The event focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing best practices, and promoting responsible gaming.
Abdul-Salam highlighted the heavy losses caused by illegal gambling, citing South Africa’s annual losses of more than $30 billion and Ghana’s losses exceeding US$85 million. He stressed that such losses undermine development by diverting funds from education, healthcare, and youth programs.
In Ghana, the NLA is deploying technology to fight fraud and syndicates, introducing advanced point-of-sale systems, and tightening enforcement of responsible gaming rules.
The authority is also reviewing the National Lotto Act to close regulatory gaps while leveraging corporate social responsibility initiatives to support national development.
