Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Justifies His Promise To Incentivise Churches And Faith-based Organizations
Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has defended his pledge to incentivize churches and faith-based organizations (FBOs), a promise made during a meeting with the clergy as part of his tour of the Bono East Region. The announcement has sparked a range of reactions across social and traditional media platforms.
During a similar engagement in the North East Region, the Vice President reiterated the promise, citing the significant contributions of churches and FBOs to the country’s development. Dr. Bawumia highlighted the substantial infrastructure projects undertaken by these organizations, including hospitals and universities, emphasizing their vital role in Ghana’s society.
“Ghana will collapse… we will not survive in this sort of situation because there will be chaos.”
He expressed concern over the potential consequences if these institutions were not supported. Dr. Bawumia clarified that the promise was not to provide direct payments to churches but to offer them incentives.
The Vice President also questioned the disparity in treatment between international and local development partners, noting that international partners receive various exemptions and support, while local institutions like churches do not. He emphasized the need to provide incentives such as tax exemptions on import duties for building hospitals or schools, highlighting the significant contributions these institutions make to the country.
Dr. Bawumia’s comments underscore the importance of recognizing and supporting the role of churches and FBOs in Ghana’s development, suggesting that providing them with incentives is a logical step to ensure their continued contributions to society.