Akufo-Addo orders NLA boss to proceed on retirement; sacks deputy

President Akufo-Addo has ordered the Director-General of the National Lottery Authority, Mr. Kofi Osei Ameyaw to proceed on retirement.

This was contained in a letter from the Office of the President dated Wednesday, March 10, 2021 and singed by Nana Bediatuo Asante, Secretary to the President.

Mr. Osei Ameyaw’s Deputy, Yaw Amoakohene Baafi, also had his appointment terminated by the President.

The letter to Mr. Ameyaw reads: “Upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of sixty years on 20th February 2020, the President of the Republic, by a letter under my hand dated September 3, 2020, granted you a one-year contract of service as Director-General of the National Lottery Authority. The one-year contract lapsed on 20th February 2021, and therefore you are retired on that date”.

The President further asked him to hand over to the Finance Director of the Authority, Mr. Ernest Mortey.

“Accordingly you are directed to hand over to Mr. Ernest Mortey, the Finance Director of the Authority who shall act as the Director-General of the Authority pending the appointment of a substantive Director-General. You are further directed to proceed to collect any terminal benefits or facilities due you under the relevant law.”

The letter addressed to Mr. Yaw Amoakohene Baafi also stated that: “Due to the re-organisation of the Authority, I am to inform you that the President has terminated your appointment with immediate effect. You are directed to proceed to collect your terminal benefits in lieu of notice”.

 

Background
This development comes on the back of agitations by workers of the National Lottery Authority.

The NLA staff union on March 1 threatened to withdraw its services in protest against attacks on employees of the Authority borne out of the failure of the Authority to pay claims due winners of lottery draws nationwide.

The workers also say the poor management of the Authority also resulted in the inability to pay salaries for the month of February 2021.

The National Labour Commission (NLC) subsequently stepped directing the workers to abort their threats.