"We Would Generate ?2bn for Govt" - Lotto

The National Association of Lotto Agents and Writers, popular called "Banker to Banker", says it will contribute ?2 billion per annum to the national coffers, if the government allows them to operate on the Department of National Lotteries (D.N.L) machine.

The association says it is operating on a memorandum of understanding implemented in 1998, which made it legal for them to operate on the draw of the D.N.L machine. They are therefore protesting at the "arrest and molestation" of 30 of their members in Accra last Saturday. "We find this action by the police unacceptable and condemn it, since a stray bullet could have hit and caused the loss of lives."

Mr. Mark Bosompem, Acting National Chairman, said this at a press conference by the association in Accra yesterday attended by about 70 aggrieved members wearing red bands.

He said the group has given the government a month to respond to their plea by signing a memorandum of understanding with them to stop the Receivers Union of Department of National Lotteries and the police from the "unlawful" arrest of their members.

Mr. Bosompem said if the government fails to respond, the association would move onto the streets to demonstrate and will send a resolution to Parliament.

Mr. Samuel Yeboah, National Secretary said the arrests are in breach of their constitutional rights and in contravention of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He asked the Police and Receivers Union to tell them if it is a crime to 'pirate' on DNL machines when they are Ghanaians.