The book, titled: “National Lottery Authority: The Journey So Far” is a reflection of how far the Authority has come since the first raffle was introduced by Mr William Brennan in 1958. Brigadier General Martin K.G. Ahiaglo (Rtd), the Director General of NLA, in his welcome address, said the idea of recording the history of the Authority brought to the fore the need for a critical review/assessment of the activities of the NLA.

He said this was to redefine the Authority’s mission, vision and core values for a new strategic direction and posture necessary to better deliver on mandate. Brigadier General Ahiaglo said through the review the Authority was able to peep into critical issues like the real purpose of NLA, why it exists, what NLA does from which it derives its mission, where NLA is now and where it wants to be in the lottery industry in Africa and its character exhibited through attitude, behaviour and conduct establishing its core values.

He said NLA, as a corporate policy representing the core leadership, always ensured measures were are in place to empower the staff by building their capacity through focused training and development programmes as well as the provision of requisite tools for delivering on set targets and staff welfare needs.

He commended all the directors, staff, and lotto marketing companies for their dedication and commitment to the Authority and encouraged them to do more to uplift the Authority. Major General C.B. Yaache, who chaired the launch, said Ghana had a culture of oral tradition which transcended all facets of the society.

He said the book served as a document which would always remind NLA about its past, adding “without the knowledge of our past history we are like a tree without roots.” He said the NLA, within its long journey, had undergone massive transformation from manual to automated lottery operations of which patrons played games at the Point of Sale devices or on smart phones which meant that the authority had met the unique challenges of the market environment.

Major Yaache said it had taken time and prudent planning to get the Authority to its present state, adding; “whatever we are seeing now has been made possible through the efforts, commitment and foresight of past Directors and Board of Directors who played their roles towards achieving operational excellence in the Authority.”

He said the everyday policies put in place over the years and the desire for excellence in all its endeavours had ensured the NLA left an enduring legacy for generations yet unborn. Major Yaache urged the leadership of the Authority to maintain the momentum and transform the NLA into the preferred lottery institution in the West African sub-region.