News
Technology kicking us out of business …Lotto operators cry
THE growing popularity of digital and online lottery platforms is steadily undermining the livelihoods of traditional lottery vendors in Accra, many of whom say the change has not only reduced their income but also affected their family lives.
Several vendors, commonly known as ‘lotto writers,’ say the shift to mobile and online lottery systems has significantly reduced the number of customers who visit their kiosks to stake games.
Some say the financial strain has become so severe that it has created tension in their homes, with a few even losing their marriages because they can no longer provide for their families as they once did.
Others indicated that they were now searching for additional jobs to supplement their lottery business to meet their household responsibilities.
The vendors, operating in areas such as Shukura, Tema Station, Laterbiokorshie, Mamprobi and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange area, shared their experiences in separate interviews with The Spectator.
Mr Michael Addy, a lotto writer for 15 years and father of four, said business had declined sharply in recent years.
According to him, he previously earned about GH¢3,000 from ticket sales and commissions after paying winning customers, but his earnings have now dropped to less than GH¢1,000.
“Although I have been able to see my children through the basic level, Senior High School and the university, there is a lot of responsibility on me as my wife left me because I am unable to earn enough to take care of the family. I wish I could find another job in addition to this lotto business but I no longer have the strength to do any hard work,” he lamented.
Another vendor, Mr Thomas Nimo, who has spent more than 20 years in the trade, recalled when customers used to gather around his kiosk early in the day, waiting for him to open so they could stake their numbers.
Today, however, he says the ‘crowd’ has disappeared.
“Only a few people who are not technological inclined come to buy tickets because they cannot play the lottery game on their phones,” he explained.
Mr Nimo added that some winners occasionally show appreciation by giving vendors a token of their winnings.
“At times some of the customers who we pay for winning the lottery game sometimes gives us a small amount as a sign of appreciation for being truthful to them,” he noted.
For Mr Alfred Nii Lartey, who has operated in Laterbiokorshie for 10 years, the business has simply become a means of survival while he searches for a better opportunity.
He also raised concerns about unlicensed private lottery operators whom some vendors unknowingly work for. When such operators are pursued by the National Lottery Authority (NLA) for breaches such as failure to pay Value Added Tax (VAT), vendors working under them often suffer the consequences.
Mr James Ankamah, a vendor at Tema Station, admitted that the decline in customers sometimes puts pressure on operators.
“Sometimes I am tempted to sell tickets to students because people don’t come to us to buy tickets and play the game,” he said.
Despite the challenges, some vendors believe their services still have a place. Mr Frank Baafi explained that unstable internet connections occasionally force players to return to the kiosks.
He added that trust also keeps some loyal customers coming back, confident that their winnings will be paid promptly.
By Benjamin Arcton –Tettey
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The newly appointed Managing Director of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Dr Isaac Okpoti Nai, has urged staff of the corporation to play their part in advancing the growth and success of the organisation, stressing that every employee has a crucial role to play in achieving its goals.
According to him, it was important for staff to see themselves as owners of the institution and work together to achieve its goals to remain sustainable.
Dr Nai made the remarks when he was introduced to staff last Friday.
“You need to work as though the company belongs to you. You are not doing it for me; take ownership. Let us work as a team,” he said.
He urged employees to be committed to their duties, respect time and meet deadlines, adding that teamwork and responsibility were key to the growth of the organisation.
Dr Nai also thanked staff for their hard work and dedication over the years and praised them for contributing to the growth of the corporation.
The Board Chairman, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, expressed confidence in Dr Nai and wished him success in his new role.
A Board Member and Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee, Dr Charity Binka, also urged staff to give him their full support to enable him to succeed.
Dr Nai is an experienced management executive, academic and corporate leader with more than 25 years of experience in finance, administration, corporate governance, strategic planning, auditing and organisational leadership in Ghana and the United Kingdom.
Before his appointment, he served as General Manager in charge of Finance and Administration at the State Housing Company Limited. He has also held senior positions at the Ghana Integrity Initiative, the Central Region Development Commission, the London Boroughs of Croydon and Merton, and Ananemantey & Co.
His experience spans both the public and private sectors, including development organisations, local government institutions, financial institutions and higher education institutions. He has also lectured in Accounting, Finance, Taxation and Management.
Dr Nai holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree in Financial Management from Anglia Ruskin University in the United Kingdom, an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the University of Greenwich, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University.
He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICA).
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Sunday night belonged to Ghana’s screen royalty, the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City transformed into a runway of dreams as actors, filmmakers, and creatives rolled in for the 15th Ghana Movie Awards under the theme “Rewarding African Excellence.”
The red carpet didn’t just glow, it roared. From bold traditional wears to sleek couture, the movie fraternity showed up and showed out.
Kafui Danku, Nana Akua Addo, Yvonne Nelson, Hajia 4Reall, Kofi Okyere Darko, Juliet Ibrahim, James Gardiner, Clemento Suarez, Jackie Appiah, Kwaku Manu, Akabenezer, and Nigeria’s Deyemi Okanlawon led a constellation of stars who lit up the night.
Their patterns, colour play, and statement accessories turned Kempinski into Accra’s fashion capital for one night.
It wasn’t just about the looks. The night delivered wins that mattered. Nana Ama McBrown, Dr. Likee, Kwadwo Nkansah, Mawuko Kuadzi, and Janet Ayensu were among the heavyweights who walked home with top honours, celebrating craft, consistency, and African storytelling.
Class, pomp, and pageantry met purpose, a reminder that Ghanaian and African cinema isn’t just entertaining but on a mission for greatness.
The Ghana Movie Awards (GMA) is one of the most prestigious award schemes in Ghana’s film industry.
The scheme was established by Ghanaian actor and producer Fred Nuamah, and has over the years celebrated excellence.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
