The newly appointed Acting Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has addressed criticisms surrounding his religious background following his recent appointment.
Abdul-Salam, a practising Muslim, emphasised that his selection was based on competence, not religious affiliation, in line with Ghana’s secular governance principles. ”
In an interview on Eyewitness News on Friday, January 17, 2025, Abdul-Salam described his appointment as “very exciting news” and responded to concerns about the compatibility of his 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 stated. 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 separates religion from 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 emphasised.
Defending his appointment, he underscored the President’s authority and judgment in making the 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.”
In response to questions about religious consistency, Abdul-Salam argued that no one is faultless 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,’” he said.
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.