By Issah Olegor
Fresh controversy has engulfed Ghana’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) following allegations that its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Mohammed Abdul-Salam, popularly called ‘Alhaji Lotto’ approved for himself a rent package exceeding $100,000 within just three months of assuming office—raising renewed questions about financial discipline and oversight in public institutions.
In addition Abdul-Salam is demanding for another rent advance covering the next two years even when the two years rent previously paid at $4500 (GHS54,000) a month has not expired. He is now asking the board to allegedly grant him a rent of $5000 a month to cover for the next two years when government has warned against rent pricing in dollars.
The development, which surfaced in early April 2026, has triggered widespread public debate and internal discontent among staff, coming at a time when many state institutions are under pressure to demonstrate prudent fiscal management amid ongoing economic challenges.
Attempts to reach Alhaji Abdul-Salam were unsuccessful.
Alleged Rent Payments Raise Eyebrows
At the centre of the controversy are claims that the NLA boss drew down approximately $108,000 (GHS1.3miilion) as rent allowance, reportedly calculated at a monthly rate of $4,500. Critics argue that the figure appears excessive by local standards and inconsistent with conditions within the public sector.
The issue gained traction after Charles McCarthy, Editor of the Hawk Newspaper, publicly questioned the justification for such an amount during a media discussion.
He expressed disbelief at the valuation, asking what type of accommodation in Accra would warrant such a monthly cost under prevailing economic conditions.
Governance And Approval Concerns
Beyond the amount itself, the alleged lack of proper board approval has deepened concerns about governance practices within the Authority.
Reports suggest the payment may have been made without the full endorsement of the NLA Board, a development that critics say undermines established administrative procedures.
At the time the initial $108,000 payment was made in 2015 upon Abdul-Salam appointment, there was no Board in place, escaping scrutiny.
This has led to calls for greater transparency and possible investigations into whether due process was followed in authorising the expenditure.
And now he is calling for rent increment from $4500 to $5000 summing up to $120,000 for the next two years. Unconfirmed sources said the NLA boss is even pushing for $6000 rent.
Salary Increment Claims Stir Further Backlash
The rent controversy has been compounded by additional allegations that the CEO sought to increase his monthly salary from GH¢38,000 to GH¢70,000.
According to reports, a formal request was submitted to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, although approval is yet to be granted.
What has intensified public outrage is the reported contrast between the CEO’s salary demands and conditions of NLA workers. Staff are said to have experienced salary reduction, with ongoing concerns about poor working conditions and limited improvements to their welfare.
Staff Discontent And Public Reaction
The juxtaposition of alleged executive benefits and staff hardships has fueled discontent within the Authority, with workers reportedly pushing for better conditions even as management decisions come under scrutiny.
Public reaction has been equally critical, with many calling for accountability and reforms to ensure that state resources are managed responsibly.
Analysts say the situation reflects a broader issue of perceived inequities in the public sector compensation structures.
Broader Context: Scrutiny of State Institutions
The controversy comes aainst a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of public officials and state agencies over spending practices. In recent years, successive governments have faced pressure to curb excesses and enforce stricter oversight mechanisms across public institutions.
