One of President John Dramani Mahama’s appointments that has garnered significant media attention is the Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mohammed Abdul-Salam.

In a letter dated January 15, 2025, signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, and in accordance with Article 195(1) of the Constitution and Section 45(1) of the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722), Abdul-Salam was appointed as the Acting Director-General, pending advice from the Board of the Authority.

Profile of the Appointee

Abdul-Salam holds an International Executive Master of Business Administration with a major in Strategy and Consultancy Management from the Paris Graduate School of Management. He also possesses a Postgraduate Diploma from the same institution and a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from Tamale Polytechnic.

He received his basic education at Sakasaka L/A Primary and Middle School between 1978 and 1988.

Prior to his appointment, Abdul-Salam served as Senior Manager at the Northern Regional Office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). He had previously worked in the same capacity in the Upper East and Volta Regions as a Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer.

Abdul-Salam joined the National Health Insurance Scheme in 2009 and held various roles, including District and Metropolitan Manager positions, until 2017.

Politically, he served as the Northern Regional Campaign Coordinator for the 2024 elections, playing a pivotal role in campaign planning and strategy. His responsibilities included coordinating stakeholder collaboration, field mobilization, member communication, regional advocacy initiatives, budgeting and resource management, reporting and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.

Additionally, he has undertaken various short courses in leadership and other relevant areas to enhance his professional development.