Malta President commends positive effects of NLA’s operations
President George Vella of Malta, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Mary-Anne Vella, embarked on a three-day State Visit to Ghana, during which they visited the National Lottery Authority (NLA) on Friday, March 8th, 2024.
The visit aimed to commemorate the longstanding collaboration between Ghana and Malta, particularly in the realm of lottery administration.
Welcoming the Maltese delegation, the Director-General of the NLA, Mr. Samuel Awuku, expressed gratitude for Malta’s pivotal role in the establishment of the NLA.
He highlighted the assistance provided by the Maltese Government in setting up the lottery institution, dating back to the tenure of Ghana’s first Prime Minister, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Mr. Awuku recounted how Maltese public officers from the Malta Lotteries Department were dispatched to Ghana, with Mr. William Francis Brennan playing a key role in shaping the NLA’s early years as its Director-General.
In recognition of Mr. Brennan’s contributions, the NLA honored his memory by naming its Draw Hall after him and erecting a bust on its premises.
Mr. Awuku also underscored the NLA’s commitment to social responsibility through the Good Causes Foundation, which has positively impacted the lives of over 400,000 individuals since its establishment in 2021.
President Vella commended the NLA for its enduring legacy in Ghanaian society, noting the sustainability of the lottery business over the past six decades.
He lauded the NLA’s contributions to societal development, paralleling Malta’s efforts in his own country.
President Vella expressed his admiration for the positive effects of the lottery in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in fostering community welfare.
During the visit, Mr. Awuku proposed an exchange program between the NLA and the Malta Gaming Authority, aimed at fostering mutual learning and sharing best practices in lottery administration and technology.
After engaging with NLA management, President Vella and his delegation paid homage to Mr. William Francis Brennan’s bust and interacted with NLA staff in Brennan Hall.
The visit symbolized the enduring partnership between Ghana and Malta, exemplified by collaborative efforts in the realm of lottery administration and social impact initiatives.
As both nations continue to strengthen their ties, such visits serve to deepen understanding and foster future cooperation for the mutual benefit of their citizens.
