A leading supporter of KGL Group and former PR Manager for NLA, Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, has rejected claims by investigative media outlet The Fourth Estate that the findings of a presidential committee reviewing the National Lottery Authority (NLA)-KGL agreement validate concerns raised in its earlier publications.
In a statement, Dr. Opoku described as “false” suggestions that the committee’s conclusions were consistent with allegations made by The Fourth Estate regarding the NLA-KGL partnership.
According to him, The Fourth Estate had consistently called for the termination of the agreement, which it described as unfavourable, whereas the committee established by President John Dramani Mahama recommended the suspension and renegotiation of aspects of the contract rather than its outright abrogation.
He argued that the distinction between terminating and renegotiating the agreement demonstrates that the committee’s findings did not align with the position advanced by the investigative outlet.
Dr. Opoku further accused The Fourth Estate of misrepresenting the committee’s conclusions and questioned its assertion that the review vindicated its earlier reporting on the deal.
He maintained that the committee’s recommendation for renegotiation was intended to improve the financial benefits accruing to the Republic while preserving the contractual relationship between the parties.
The KGL supporter also defended the ongoing renegotiation process, stressing that it is a legal and commercial exercise being conducted by the appropriate stakeholders and should not be influenced by public commentary or media campaigns.
According to him, all parties involved in the discussions are committed to reaching an outcome that serves the national interest while respecting the legal rights of each party to the agreement.
Dr. Opoku further argued that if The Fourth Estate’s claims had been fully validated, the committee would have recommended the cancellation of the contract rather than its review and renegotiation.
He also criticised both The Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa, accusing them of pursuing narratives that undermine indigenous businesses.
KGL, which is a headline sponsor of the Ghana national football team, the Black Stars, has maintained that it remains committed to supporting national development and contributing to the growth of the lottery industry.
