The National Lottery Authority (NLA) is set to make a significant presence felt at the 2023 Akuapem Odwira festival this upcoming weekend, showcasing its state-of-the-art new machines.
Anticipation is building among hundreds of festival-goers and local residents in the Akropong community and surrounding areas, as they prepare to gather at the forecourt of the Okuapehene’s Palace for a special event – the National Weekly Lotto draw, which is one of NLA’s flagship daily draws. This exciting event is scheduled for Saturday, September 30th, 2023.
This participation in the festival follows a courtesy visit made by the Director-General of NLA, Sammi Awuku, and his management team in September 2023.
During their visit, they had the privilege of officially informing Okuapehene HRM Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III about NLA’s Akuapem Odwira Community Draw, reinforcing the NLA’s commitment to engaging with and enriching local communities.
“This is the first time NLA is holding a community draw in Akropong in its 61 years of existence. NLA’s new ultra-modern Draw machines, christened money-making machines that draw the golden eggs, is also making its first stop in Akropong since its launch on August 1, 2023,” Mr. Awuku said.
The Okuapehene’s Palace erupted in excitement following Mr. Awuku’s announcement, as everyone eagerly anticipated the live draw event in the Akropong community.
To facilitate this special occasion, NLA’s cutting-edge new draw machines will be carefully transported from the renowned Brennan Hall, where the Authority typically conducts its draws, to Akropong.
This operation will take place at dawn on Saturday and will be under the vigilant protection of a combined security detail comprising both military and police personnel.
The draw promises to be a thrilling spectacle for patrons and the general public alike, with the hosting duties entrusted to well-known figures such as the popular actor Akrobeto, comedian Kalybos, actress Jessica Williams, and NLA’s own presenter, Beryl Adom.
The Director-General highlighted that NLA’s introduction of Community Draws is a part of their broader efforts to demystify their games and draws.
This initiative also aims to educate the public about the transparency and integrity of the draw process, particularly in countering the activities of fraudsters who falsely claim to provide leaked winning numbers on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.
“Many people believe the falsehood peddled by some unscrupulous persons that NLA’s draws are manipulated because they have not witnessed one. Holding Community Draws, therefore, allows NLA to bring the Draw closer to the people, to help them appreciate the process from start to finish”.
Mr. Awuku said Community Draws are held in partnership with the Chiefs and Traditional Councils to fulfil the Arts and Culture Pillar under the NLA’s Good Causes Foundation.
NLA has so far held Community Draws in Obomeng-Kwaku during the Easter festivities, Cape Coast during the Fetu Afahye, Anlo during the Hogbetsotso Za, West Hills Mall in partnership with the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited and Nsawam Adoagyiri.
NLA is expecting a good show on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the forecourt of the Okuapehene’s Palace for the live draw of the National Weekly Lotto.