The National Association of Lotto Agents and Writers (NALWERS) have decided to pay about four billion cedis monthly income tax with effect from November 30, 2002.

This was a resolution passed by the Association at an emergency meeting in Accra on Wednesday, October 30.

In order to achieve the expected target, the Association entreated all lotto agents and writers throughout the country to be alive to their civic responsibilities to register and pay the prescribed monthly tax of 4,000 cedis per member.

Mr Mark Bosompem, acting national chairman of NALWERS dilating on the need to assist government to generate funds for national development said lotto agents and writers, like any other citizen owed it a duty to contribute to national development.

He stated that, to ensure effective collection of the tax, members are to pay their monthly taxes in their respective areas through their districts for onward transmission to their regional offices.

Mr Bosompem gave the assurance that the present executive of the Association would account for all monies collected and implored members to desist from using plain sheets as coupons instead of the approved VAT booklets.

The Association also resolved to appoint a committee to meet with Mr Stephen Asare, the largest lotto operator to negotiate with him to pay all winning arrears owed to his agents.

Mr A. K. Boa-Amponsem, Greater Accra Regional Chairman urged members to be committed to the Association and refuse to allow any tendencies to divide their ranks, adding, "there has been long-standing allegations of non-payment, often by lotto writers and agents over the years.