The Kekeli Muslim Community in Ghana has raised concerns over the appointment of Mohammed Abdul-Salam as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Lottery Authority (NLA).
On January 15, President John Mahama appointed the former Northern Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the role. However, the Muslim community expressed apprehension in a press release, citing Islamic teachings that prohibit gambling, betting, and lottery activities.
“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 emphasized.
Additionally, the community referenced a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which condemns games of chance, describing such acts as disobedience to Allah.
The community respectfully urged President Mahama to reconsider the appointment, stating, “This decision appears to be a direct challenge to Islamic principles and may undermine the goodwill you have fostered among the Muslim community.” They also called on Muslim leaders and clerics to urgently engage with the president to address the issue, emphasizing that reversing the appointment would uphold Islamic values and protect the youth from being influenced to engage in gambling activities.
In response to the criticism, Mr. Abdul-Salam defended his acceptance of the position, asserting that his role reflects Ghana’s secular governance structure.
“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.
The Kekeli Muslim Community concluded its statement by appealing to President Mahama to act swiftly, emphasizing that reconsidering the appointment would strengthen trust and cooperation between the Muslim community and the government.
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