The Kekeli Muslim Community in Ghana is concerned about the appointment of Mohammed Abdul-Salam as Managing Director for the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

On Wednesday, January 15, President John Mahama appointed the former Northern Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NLA.

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However, the community in a press release expressed deep apprehension, citing Islamic teachings that prohibit gambling, betting, and lottery.

According to the Quran, “Intoxicants and games of chance are only an infamy of Satan's handiwork. Leave it aside that you may succeed” (Quran 5:90).

The statement also referenced a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which condemns games of chance, calling those who engage in them as having disobeyed Allah.

“We respectfully urge you to reconsider the appointment,” the statement read.

“This decision appears to be a direct challenge to Islamic principles, and may undermine the goodwill you have fostered among the Muslim community,” the statement read.

The statement also called for action from Muslim leaders and clerics, urging them to engage with the president on this issue as a matter of urgency.

The community believes that revisiting the appointment would reflect the administration's commitment to upholding Islamic values and prevent potential harm, particularly to the youth, who may be influenced by such an appointment to engage in activities considered forbidden by Islam.

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The release concluded with a hopeful call for President Mahama to act promptly, emphasising that a thoughtful reconsideration of the NLA appointment would strengthen the bond between the Muslim community and the government, ensuring greater trust and cooperation moving forward.

However, Mr Abdul-Salam responded to criticism from members of the Muslim community who questioned his decision to accept the role, considering that the lottery is deemed haram in Islamic 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 said, adding that his appointment reflects Ghana’s secular governance structure.