‘My appointment was based on competence, not religious affiliation’ – Mohammed Abdul-Salam to religious critics.
Mohammed Abdul-Salam, the newly appointed Acting Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), has addressed criticisms regarding his appointment, especially questions about his religious background.
Describing his recent appointment as “very exciting news”, Abdul-Salam responded to concerns about how his faith relates to his role, and highlighted that his appointment was based on merit and competence but not religious affiliation, in line with the secular governance principles of the country.
“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. He also referenced his predecessor, Sammi Awuku, saying, “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 clarified that Ghana’s legal framework maintains a separation between religion and 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,” he explained.
In defending his appointment, he highlighted that the President exercised his authority and discretion in making such decisions.
“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.”
When asked about religious consistency, Abdul-Salam argued that no individual is without fault in their faith, and mentioned that he cannot brand his religious life as pristine perfect.
“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 comes after the resignation of his predecessor, Sammi Awuku, who stepped down on January 13, 2025, following his election as the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North.
By: Novire Kuuyizie Francis.
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These man has disgraces the entire Muslims in Ghana.Can a person who has ever been an agent in the lottery field and even accepts it offer in this current situation be a competent man no no no a true Muslim but not just a name will never accept these appointment and even haven the and courage and zeal of backing it with pride shame into him.