The African Lotteries Association (ALA) has convened two major gatherings in Abidjan from June 23 to 25, 2025, bringing together Directors General of African lotteries and their delegations for a pivotal week of dialogue, training and strategic alignment.

On June 24, ALA hosted a high-level seminar at the Azalaï Hotel in Marcory, themed “Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.” This timely session explored the evolving role of AI in the gaming and lottery industries, while spotlighting strategies to combat rising cybersecurity threats. Leaders from across the continent shared insights on innovation, operational efficiency and risk mitigation in an increasingly digital landscape.

The seminar was opened by Mr. Doumbia Fassery, Vice President of ALA and Director General of PMU Mali, representing Mr. Dramane Coulibaly, President of ALA and Director General of LONACI. The event also saw strong participation from ALA member executives, including Mr. Abdoulkarim Ouattara, Deputy Director General of LONACI, along with members of the ALA Board of Directors.

The week’s activities culminated on June 25 with ALA’s Annual General Assembly—also at the Azalaï Hotel—where members reviewed key achievements, adopted new resolutions and strengthen inter-member collaboration to advance the Association’s mission across the continent.

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced that its market leading portfolio of games are now available with the Goldrush group brands in South Africa.

The news underlines the strength of Play’n GO’s position in the burgeoning African iGaming market and will see Goldrush’s players enjoy such global hits as Book of Dead, Fire Joker and Rise of Olympus 100.

Already known for its acclaimed content across the world, the new partnership that covers both the Goldrush and Gbets brand signals Play’n GO intent on being a major force on the African continent.

The Goldrush Group is one of the more storied names in gaming in South Africa, with more than 20 years of heritage in the brand that now includes iGaming and a large retail presence.

James Baxandall, Head of Regional Sales Africa for Play’n GO, said: “The Goldrush Group have been a first-class operator for many years and I’m really excited to bring our game portfolio to their players. I have no doubt that globally recognised classics such as Book of Dead will perform exceptionally well with their player base. This is a partnership that I expect to grow for many years to come.”

Peter Amblianities, Head of Marketing at Goldrush Group, added: “Goldrush is excited to partner with yet another world class gaming provider in Play’n GO to bring our valued customers even more slots to enjoy on Goldrush.co.za. Epic new slots titles to Feel the Rush on include Honey Rush, Rise of Olympus, Perfect Gems and much, much more! We look forward to exceptional growth with Play’n GO.”

The Minister of the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Gaming Commission of Ghana to work diligently to promote responsible gaming, curb underage participation and address the growing menace of illegal gaming operators, particularly in mining communities.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 11-member Board at the Ministry’s Boardroom, the Hon. Muntaka reiterated the critical oversight role of the Board and urged its members to elevate the Commission’s performance to sub-regional excellence.

“Your appointment by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama is a clear indication of the trust and confidence he has reposed in your ability to deliver on your mandate. You have a duty to help position the Gaming Commission of Ghana as the leading gaming regulator in sub-Saharan Africa,” the Minister stated.

He commended the Commission’s current leadership for the strides made in strengthening corporate governance and initiating key regulatory reforms.

“Noteworthy among these efforts are plans to construct an ultra-modern Head Office in Accra. From just three offices in Kasoa, Kumasi, and Tamale in 2016, the Commission has now expanded to Swedru, Ho, Ashanti Bekwai, and Sefwi Wiawso, with further plans to open new offices in Tarkwa, Koforidua, and Bolgatanga.”

The Minister also lauded the Commission’s commitment to staff development and public education, citing the recently concluded Purple Month campaign in May 2025 as a significant achievement.

“I am particularly pleased with the success of the maiden ‘Purple Month’ initiative, which engaged over 1500 young people from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and Accra Technical University (ATU) on the risks of gaming addiction and its connection to mental health. This effort received strong support from Members of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings (Korle Klottey) and Hon. John Dumelo (Ayawaso West Wuogon), as well as active participation from gaming operators across media platforms and campus events,” he said.

Accepting the mandate on behalf of the Board, the newly appointed Chairman, Mr. James Enu, Esq., who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Tema West, expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for the opportunity to serve.

“We are grateful for the confidence reposed in us and assure you of our unwavering commitment to deliver on our responsibilities. We will work closely with the Games Commissioner and all key stakeholders to promote a vibrant and well-regulated gaming industry. It is encouraging that the Minister emphasized not just revenue generation, but also responsible gaming. As a Board, we intend to prioritize the development of policies that tackle irresponsible gaming practices,” Mr. Enu said.

He added that the 24-hour nature of gaming aligned perfectly with the President’s vision for a 24-hour economy.

“Gaming is a 24-hour activity, and that fits seamlessly into His Excellency’s 24-hour economy agenda. We are excited to play our part in supporting that vision,” he concluded.

Members of the new Governing Board include: Chairperson – Mr. James Enu, Esq. (MP, Tema West) and Members – Mr. Emmanuel Siisi Quainoo (Ag. Gaming Commissioner), Dr. Renee Aku Sitsofe Morhe (President’s Nominee), Dr. Bandim Lamangin Abed-Nego (MP, Bunkpurugu & President’s Nominee), Mr. Sedem Kweku Afenyo (MP, Amasaman & President’s Nominee), Prof. Kobby Mensah (Ministry of Tourism), Mr. Solomon Tetteh Mensah (Ministry of the Interior), ACP Dr. Dinam Kwasi Wisdom Zoiku (Ghana Police Service), Mr. Dela Kemevor (Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development), Mrs. Rosemary Nana Pokuaa Addo Parker (Ghana Revenue Authority).