The newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam, has addressed concerns raised by some members of the Muslim community regarding his decision to accept the role, given that lottery is considered haram in Islamic teachings.

 Mr. Abdul-Salam, who officially assumed office on Friday, January 19, 2025, described his appointment as “very exciting news” and defended his decision, emphasizing Ghana’s secular governance structure.

Acknowledging the concerns of his critics, Mr. Abdul-Salam affirmed his religious beliefs but maintained that state institutions should be led based on competence, not religious affiliations.

"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 argued that Ghana’s constitutional framework ensures that appointments are based on merit, not religious considerations.

"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.

Drawing a comparison, he pointed out that his predecessor, Sammi Awuku, is a Christian, and yet, there were no objections on religious grounds when he held the position.

Mr. Abdul-Salam reiterated that his appointment was made on the basis of competence and at the discretion of the President.

"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."

Addressing accusations of religious inconsistency, he maintained that no one is without faults 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 comes after the resignation of Sammi Awuku on January 13, 2025, following his election as a Member of Parliament for Akuapem North.

His appointment, which took effect on January 15, 2025, was made in accordance with Article 195 (1) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 45(1) of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722).

As the Northern Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Abdul-Salam views this role as an opportunity for professional growth and public service.

"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 said.

His interim role is subject to confirmation by the NLA Board, in consultation with the Public Services Commission.

Moving forward, the new NLA CEO is expected to focus on enhancing operational efficiency and increasing revenue generation to support national development initiatives.

He spoke in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.