The members of newly formed Ashanti Regional Lotto Marketing Companies and Retailers Association have elected an eight member executive committee to steer the affairs of the group for the next four years.
At a peaceful general assembly meeting of the association at the serene Kumasi Cultural Center, Mr. IK Duah was elected unopposed as the chairman, after his main challenger had backed out of the race.
Mr. Kwabena Asiamah pulled 83 votes to secure the position of vice-chairman, whiles Mr. Okuseku Mintah was also elected unopposed as the secretary of the association.
Others who were also elected include Madam Theresa Kusi, as treasurer, Mr. Anthony Antwi as financial secretary, with Madam Ana Yeboah coming on as the assistant financial secretary. Mr. Kwaku Agyemang and Madam Comfort Adowaa were elected as the public relations officer and protocol officer respectively.
The newly elected chairman, Mr. IK Duah, in an interview mentioned that lotto retailers in the country are facing some challenges some of which include competition from the illegal banker-to-banker operators.
He added that government’s decision to reduce their commission from 25% to 20% some two years ago has not been favourable to their operations. According to him their commission works down to 18% after tax deductions.
He suggested that the government should increase their commission to the previous 25% and also release more automated lotto machines to the lotto retailers to help them to sell more to the public and generate funds for national development.
He and his team promised to run the association effectively and efficiently, and to also champion the cause of the members.
An advisor to the association and long time lotto retailers, Mr. Dominic K Asamoah, charged the executives to render selfless service to the association and be truthful to the members.
He said the lottery has the potential to generate funds for government and the members of the association should work hard to raise revenue for government to develop the country.
The Ashanti Regional Lotto Marketing Companies and Retailers Association is formed following the collapse of the Lotto Receivers Union to serve as the mouthpiece of lotto retailers in the Ashanti Region. Lotto retailers in the remaining nine regions are also expected to follow suit and form regional associations to pave way for the formation of a national union.