The Ghanaian Minaret

Accra: A Kumasi-based Sunni Muslim cleric, Dr. Tawfik Abdul Rahman Kulusey, has appealed to the newly appointed Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Abdul Salam Mohammed, to resign from his position even if it meant not getting any other opportunity to serve in government.

He said such an appointment could be a test of faith from Allah, which will be well rewarded if he passed the trial.

“Whoever fears Allah, he will make a way for him and grant him bounty from where he expects not,” he said, quoting the holy Quran.

Dr. Kulusey made the appeal during Khutbah for Jummah prayers at the Masjid Nurul Ameen in Kumasi in the Ashanti region.

He noted that the ascension of a Muslim to such a position was a shame to Muslims in Ghana.

He also advised Muslim politicians to be fearful of Allah and ensure that their earnings while serving the people are permissible (halal).

“Don’t enrich yourself with the sweat and money of the people. Be just and fair to the people who work under you,” he said.

He encouraged Muslims to be mindful of their sources of wealth and must be committed to ensuring that they are not ignorant of their religion.

The scholar also emphasised the need for consulting scholars on matters of sustenance and livelihood to avert the calamity associated with disobeying Allah.

“People live with scholars in their homes or neighbourhoods, and yet for over a year, they have not gone to them for any guidance. This is simply because they are not bothered by matters of religion. They consider matters of religion to be part-time,” he said.

Early on, the newly appointed director had reported to the NLA, where he addressed staff at a durbar.

He pledged his commitment to moving the organisation forward.

The 53-year-old was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama.