By Bright Philip Donkor
The Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammi Awuku, has called for responsible gaming practices and strict adherence to regulatory compliance within the gaming and lottery sectors.
He made the call during the maiden edition of the Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards 2024, held at the Alisa Hostel, Accra. The awards ceremony was organised by Syndicated Entertainment Solution Ltd, in partnership with the NLA and the Gaming Commission to recognize excellence in the industry.
Responsible gaming
Mr. Awuku emphasised the need for operators to prioritize the welfare of players and the integrity of gaming operations. He underscored the importance of ensuring that gaming remained a safe and responsible form of entertainment while also generating revenue for national development.
“The gaming and lottery industry has a significant impact on Ghana’s economy, but we must ensure that this impact is positive, both financially and socially. Responsible gaming is not just a suggestion—it is a necessity,” Mr Awuku stressed.
“Operators must uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, while players need to be educated on responsible participation to avoid addiction and financial distress,” he added.
He noted that the NLA, under his leadership, had intensified efforts to enforce regulations that safeguard the industry from malpractice. He further reiterated the importance of compliance with local and international standards, urging operators to work closely with regulators to maintain the credibility of the gaming and lottery sectors.
Commendation
Mr. Awuku lauded the Syndicated Entertainment Solution for introducing the award programme. He believed that it would contribute to demystify the myths about gaming and lotteries.
He said the awards had recognised stakeholders, customers, retailers and operators who had work hard and tirelessly behind closed doors in the gaming sector.
He also commended operators that had demonstrated commitment to CSR initiatives. He praised companies that had contributed to education, health, and community development projects through their CSR programmes. “It is important that while we expand our businesses, we do not lose sight of the communities we operate in,” he said.
Why recognition?
The Director of Syndicated Entertainment Solution, Manuella Frempomaa Ansong, emphasised the importance of recognizing excellence within Ghana’s gaming and lottery industry as a vital step toward promoting responsible practices, innovation, and industry-wide growth.
She underscored the transformative role that recognition plays in fostering an environment where both operators and regulators can work together to ensure responsible gaming while driving industry advancements.
She stressed that awards and recognition not only serve as a platform for celebrating those who have excelled, but they also highlight the importance of ethical practices within a fast-growing industry.
“We believe that recognizing excellence in the gaming and lottery sector is essential for fostering innovation, promoting responsible gaming practices, and acknowledging outstanding contributions in the country,” Madam Ansong stated.
She praised the awardees for their exceptional contributions, particularly those who had prioritized responsible gaming and demonstrated a strong commitment to social impact through their operations. “By recognizing these achievements, we encourage others in the industry to follow suit, ensuring that we not only drive economic growth but also protect the welfare of players and promote transparency,” she added.
Collaboration
She also called for greater collaboration among gaming operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to strengthen the industry’s regulatory framework and uphold high standards of operation. She urged stakeholders to view these awards as a reminder of the industry’s potential to impact society positively when operated with integrity and responsibility.
She encouraged continued efforts toward promoting responsible gaming, stating that these awards were not only about celebration but also about setting a clear path for the future of gaming in Ghana.
She expressed optimism that the recognition of excellence would inspire operators to continuously innovate and improve, while remaining compliant with regulations and contributing meaningfully to national development.
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