Abdul-Salam defends his appointment as NLA CEO amid criticism from fellow Muslims

Newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has responded to criticism from members of the Muslim community who question his decision to accept the role, considering that lottery is deemed haram in Islamic faith.

In an interview with Citi FM, Mr. Abdul-Salam, who officially assumed office on Friday, described his appointment as “very exciting news” and addressed concerns about the compatibility of his new role with his faith.

“I am a practising Muslim. I’m not just a Muslim; I am a practising Muslim, but I’m not a fanatic leader. Neither am I an extremist,” he said, adding that his appointment reflects Ghana’s secular governance structure.

“My predecessor (Sammi Awuku) is a Christian, I don’t know which part of Christianity, allows for a Christian to assume that office.

Explaining his stance, Mr. Abdul-Salam pointed out that religion and governance operate in separate spheres in Ghana’s legal framework.

“Ghana is a secular state. There’s nowhere anybody will say that this person will occupy this position because he’s a Christian, and this position will be occupied because the fellow is a Muslim.

Institutions of state are supposed to be manned by people deemed to be competent to do so,” he stated.

Mr. Abdul-Salam defended his appointment as a matter of competence and the prerogative of the President, asserting, “The appointing authority deems it fit that Mohammed Abdul-Salam, at this particular point in time, given the opportunity, can man the National Lottery Authority, and that has been given to me.

I have consented to it, and I have sent a formal letter accepting the appointment. There should be no controversy about that.”

In response to allegations of religious inconsistency, Mr. Abdul-Salam emphasised that no one is without fault in their faith. “Almighty Allah, we are told, is the forgiver of sins, and He’s one who enjoys forgiving His creations.

So, I cannot find any Muslim under the sun who can stand anywhere and tell me that, ‘Oh, piety is to the extent that I can void that I have never sinned against my God.’”

Mr. Abdul-Salam’s appointment follows the resignation of Mr. Sammi Awuku, who stepped down on January 13, 2025, after being elected Member of Parliament for Akuapem North.

The appointment, effective January 15, 2025, was made in line with Article 195 (1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 45(1) of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722).

Mr. Abdul-Salam’s role remains interim, pending advice from the NLA Board in consultation with the Public Services Commission.

As the Northern Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdul-Salam views the position as part of his professional growth.

“There is nowhere in government that I ruled out as an opportunity. If I’m given to serve, I would avail myself, so far as the laws and rules of Ghana allow for that system to exist as part of our governance,” he stated.

The new CEO is expected to lead the NLA through a pivotal period, focusing on operational efficiency and revenue generation to support national development initiatives.