I’m a practicing Muslim, but I qualify to lead NLA – Abdul-Salam to religious critics

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.