I’m a practicing Muslim and equally competent to be NLA boss – Abdul-Salam to religious critics

The newly appointed Acting Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has defended his appointment following criticisms due to his religious background as a Muslim.

Abdul-Salam’s appointment as the head of the NLA was met with mixed reactions because he is a devout Sunni Muslim, a fact that has become central to the discussions surrounding his new role at the NLA, an organisation whose operations are rooted in gambling—an activity traditionally viewed as prohibited in Islam.

However, in an interview, Abdul-Salam emphasised that his appointment was based on competence, not religious affiliation describing it as a “very exciting news”.

He further defended his appointment, highlighting President Mahama’s authority and judgment in making his decision.

“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.

“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 stated in an interview on Citi FM, January 17.

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

Abdul-Salam explained that Ghana’s legal framework allows persons of different religious background to assume positions in governance.

“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,” Abdul-Salam stressed.

In response to questions about religious consistency, Abdul-Salam argued that no individual is of no sin in practicing their faith to their maker.

“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,’” he said.

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

 

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