Onassis Sports Licence Sparks Lottery Monopoly Debate

A renewed discussion has emerged within Ghana’s lottery sector over the licensing arrangement for the National Lottery Authority’s (NLA) Caritas Lottery platform, following claims contained in a public statement signed by Managing Editor Ayisah Foster.
According to the statement, an exclusive operating licence was issued in 2024 for the Caritas Lottery platform, granting a private operator sole responsibility for its management under the supervision of the NLA.
The arrangement has triggered debate among industry observers about whether such exclusivity raises concerns of monopoly within parts of the national lottery system, particularly when compared with other operational segments such as the 5/90 USSD and mobile lottery platform.
The statement further argues that discussions around monopoly in the sector should be viewed in the broader context of licensing structures, suggesting that exclusivity exists in certain operational areas as part of regulatory frameworks.
It also notes that the development of mobile and USSD-based lottery platforms has historically faced technical and financial challenges, referencing earlier initiatives that reportedly struggled to sustain long-term operations.
According to the statement, renewed interest in certain lottery platforms has followed the commercial success of private sector participation, intensifying debates over competition, licensing, and operational control within the industry.
Questions were also raised regarding regulatory approvals, revenue flows to the NLA, and tax compliance obligations to the Ghana Revenue Authority in relation to specific lottery operations referenced in the statement.
The statement identifies Onassis Sports Limited as the company responsible for operating the Caritas Lottery platform, with Seidu Agongo mentioned as the owner of the company.
It concludes by calling for greater transparency, consistent regulatory enforcement, and clearer oversight mechanisms to ensure fairness and accountability across all lottery operations in Ghana.
The statement was signed by Ayisah Foster, Managing Editor of Punch Newspaper.