National Lottery Authority Urges Staff to End Strike Over 17% Salary Increase Demand

Management of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) has appealed to its workforce and the local staff union to call off a sit-down strike that commenced on August 24, 2026. The industrial action was triggered by a stalemate in negotiations regarding salary adjustments for the 2026 fiscal year. While the union is firmly demanding a 17% pay raise, the NLA management has offered a 12% increase, citing significant financial constraints and existing tax liabilities that have limited the Authority's fiscal flexibility.

The dispute is rooted in a discrepancy between the workers' expectations and the NLA's current financial health. According to management, the Authority is currently managing a tax liability of over GH"5 million uncovered by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which pertains to the period between 2016 and 2022. These tax arrears have directly impacted the NLA's ability to meet the union's higher demands. The union, however, maintains that the 17% increase is necessary to offset a reduction in workers' take-home pay caused by recent tax adjustments and the rising cost of living.

In an effort to resolve the impasse, the NLA has been engaging with the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam expressed surprise at the strike, noting that the matter was already under arbitration when the staff decided to walk out. Recent interventions by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations have sought to bring both parties back to the negotiation table. Management has also reportedly appealed to the Minister of Finance for a waiver on accumulated tax penalties to help ease the financial burden on the Authority.

As of the latest reports, management remains committed to an amicable resolution but emphasizes the importance of resuming operations to fulfill the NLA's revenue-generating mandate for national development. The ongoing mediation by the National Labour Commission will be pivotal in determining whether the staff union will accept the 12% offer or if a middle ground can be reached to end the industrial action and restore normalcy to the Authority's operations.