By Kizito CUDJOE
The Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reiterated his commitment to strengthening the alliance between the church and the state to expedite national development.
This pledge was made during a meeting with clergy members in Ghana’s North East region.
In his remarks during the engagement, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the church’s role as a primary development partner of the government, citing the numerous schools, hospitals, and universities built by churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs).
He noted the potential chaos that could ensue if these institutions were to suddenly disappear, underscoring their integral role in maintaining societal stability.
The Vice President also took the opportunity to clarify a previous statement concerning the incentivization of churches and FBOs, which had been misinterpreted by some Ghanaians.
He explained that his comments were made in recognition of the significant contributions of these institutions to the country’s infrastructure.
Dr. Bawumia further highlighted the extensive work done by the church in building and maintaining societal structures.
Furthermore, he assured the Churches and FBOs that he does not foresee a situation where they would be taxed, given their massive contributions to society.
Dr. Bawumia stated that his government would seriously consider providing incentives to churches to support the government’s development strategy.
Recognizing the crucial role of churches and FBOs in fostering social cohesion, he proposed a partnership strategy similar to international models for the mutual benefit of the government and religious institutions in Ghana.
The Vice President has been on nationwide tour, which begun on Monday April 29. This has seen the Vice President visit the Eastern, Western, Western North, Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions.
On Monday, May 13, Dr. Bawumia begun a five-day campaign tour of the five northern regions, beginning from his home region, the North East Region.
He continued his campaign tour to the Savannah Region on Wednesday, May 15, where he was received by a large crowd of people from all walks of life, including market women, teachers, nurses, artisans, and children.
As tradition demands, the Vice President begun his tour of the Region with a visit to the overlord of Gonjaland and the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs.
Welcoming the Vice President to the Region, Yagbonwura Saole I said Dr. Bawumia is a one of the illustrious sons of the Gonja Kingdom, who has contributed immensely to the development of the Kingdom.
He specifically thanked the Vice President for his role in seeing to the creation of the Savannah Region, which gave birth to the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs.
