NLA Denies Salary Cuts, Rent Allowance Misuse Allegations
Report: Iddrisu Kumbundoo
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has denied allegations circulating on social media that it has reduced staff salaries and unlawfully increased the remuneration of its Director-General, Mohammed Abdul-Salam.
In a press statement issued on Friday, April 10, the Authority described the claims as “inaccurate, misleading, and distorted,” insisting they were intended to damage the reputation of its leadership. According to the NLA, no salary reductions have been implemented under the current Director-General.
Management clarified that what has been misrepresented as a 13% salary cut is, in fact, part of an approved salary enhancement package negotiated transparently with staff representatives.
The Authority explained that an 8% utility allowance, inherited from a previous administration, was implemented alongside a 5% increase in basic salaries following negotiations with the local union.
These adjustments, it said, have already taken effect.The NLA also rejected claims that the Director-General’s salary had been increased from GHS 38,000 to GHS 70,000. It emphasized that the Director-General does not have the authority to unilaterally adjust his own salary, noting that such decisions are subject to formal approval processes involving the Governing Board and relevant state institutions.
Management further clarified that any proposed salary review is part of a broader process affecting all executive management and staff, not the Director-General alone.The statement explained that the review of conditions of service began after the Public Services Commission (PSC) requested updated documentation to formalize the Director-General’s appointment.
Following internal discussions, a committee was established to develop proposals, which were later submitted to the Governing Board. The Board subsequently directed that benchmarking be conducted across similar public financial institutions.
Due to limited data availability, the NLA sought guidance from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), which has since requested additional documentation. The Authority says it is currently awaiting feedback, stressing that no new salary increments have been effected.
On claims regarding rent allowance, the NLA stated that such benefits are part of the established conditions of service for the Director-General and have been consistently granted to previous officeholders. It also dismissed reports that the Director-General receives annual rent payments of $108,000 or $228,000 as false.
The Authority indicated that the Director-General has instructed his legal team to take action against media outlets and individuals spreading what it described as false information without offering the NLA an opportunity to respond.
The NLA urged the public and stakeholders to disregard the allegations, describing them as attempts to undermine the integrity of the Authority, its management, and governing structures, and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, integrity, and responsible service delivery.
