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The Need for the New MD of NLA to Exercise Restraint in Public Commentary

Feature Article Director General Of The National Lotteries Authority NLA Mohammed Abdul Salam
SUN, 19 JAN 2025
Director General Of The National Lotteries Authority NLA Mohammed Abdul Salam

Leadership is a delicate art that demands not only vision and strategy but also the ability to navigate criticism and public discourse with poise. As the newly appointed Managing Director (MD) of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), a position steeped in public interest and scrutiny, it is crucial to understand the weight of public communication. In recent weeks, the MD’s public engagements and responses to critics have sparked significant debate, raising concerns about the tone and frequency of his commentary.

The role of an MD, especially one leading a high-profile institution like the NLA, comes with immense responsibilities. Criticisms and divergent opinions are inevitable. However, how these are managed often defines public perception and the effectiveness of one’s leadership. While the MD’s passion and confidence are commendable, his approach to engaging critics and justifying his position warrants a reassessment. Silence, as the adage goes, is sometimes golden.

Leadership and Public Criticism
One of the hallmarks of exceptional leadership is the ability to rise above criticism without being defensive or combative. The MD’s current position, by its very nature, is likely to attract dissenting opinions, especially given the societal and religious sensitivities associated with the lottery business. As a practicing Muslim, the MD’s decision to accept this role has sparked conversations about the perceived conflict between his faith and professional duties. While it is within his rights to clarify misconceptions, repeatedly addressing critics through public interviews risks amplifying the very controversies he seeks to quell.

Islam, like many religions, prohibits certain actions, including gambling. However, individual choices and their implications remain personal decisions. Just as some Muslims engage in practices forbidden by their faith, the MD’s acceptance of this role is a personal decision that he must reconcile within his own faith and conscience. Public discourse on such matters, however, requires tact and measured communication to avoid fueling unnecessary debates.

The Importance of Strategic Communication

Public relations (PR) and effective communication are essential tools for any leader. However, they extend far beyond eloquence or oratory prowess. Strategic communication involves understanding the audience, anticipating reactions, and crafting messages that align with institutional goals while preserving one’s integrity. It also entails knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. By choosing not to respond to every criticism, a leader demonstrates confidence, maturity, and a focus on the bigger picture.

Unfortunately, the MD’s tough responses to critics and frequent interviews may project defensiveness rather than resolve. This approach risks overshadowing his vision for the NLA and shifting public focus from his agenda to his commentary. The public is more likely to judge him based on his achievements and the impact of his leadership rather than his ability to debate critics.

The Value of Restraint and Professional Counsel

In public office, restraint is a virtue. Proverbs remind us that “If those who lack knowledge remained silent, disputes would diminish.” These words hold profound truth in the context of leadership. By choosing silence or measured responses, the MD can focus on delivering tangible results that will ultimately counteract criticism. Silence, when employed strategically, can convey strength and confidence.

Moreover, seeking professional PR and communications support is not a sign of weakness but a mark of wisdom. Communication experts can help craft messages that resonate with stakeholders and address concerns without appearing defensive. They can also guide the MD in managing his public image and interactions, ensuring that his words enhance rather than detract from his leadership.

Conclusion
A s the MD of the NLA, the spotlight will always be on his actions and words. By adopting a measured approach to public communication, he can shift the narrative from controversy to progress. His focus should remain on driving the NLA’s mandate, delivering results, and demonstrating leadership that transcends criticism.

In the end, it is not the frequency of interviews or the forcefulness of responses that define a leader but the legacy they leave behind. The MD’s acceptance of this role is a bold step, and his ability to navigate the associated challenges with grace and focus will set him apart as a leader worthy of emulation. Silence, indeed, can be golden, and in this case, it could be the key to unlocking a legacy of impactful leadership.

By:Azure Imoro Abdulai
The writer is a Public Relation Executive

Institute of Public Relations Ghana

[email protected]

Azure Imoro Abdulai
Azure Imoro Abdulai, © 2025

This Author has 25 publications here on modernghana.comColumn: Azure Imoro Abdulai

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