My comment on paying churches was a joke – Bawumia
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has clarified recent remarks suggesting incentivizing churches for developmental projects instead of taxing them stating that his comments were meant to be a joke . Speaking at a gathering with clergy members in the North East Region during his nationwide tour, the Vice President highlighted the crucial contributions of churches and faith-based organizations to Ghana’s development, including the establishment of schools and hospitals.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the indispensable role played by churches in providing essential services and caring for individuals daily. Reflecting on the hypothetical scenario of Ghana without the contributions of churches, he underscored the potential collapse of societal structures and the ensuing chaos.
Addressing his previous statement on incentivizing churches, made during a meeting with clergy in the Bono East region, Dr. Bawumia reiterated his appreciation for the significant impact of churches on society. He emphasized the need to foster partnerships between the government and churches, likening them to domestic development partners.
He stated, “We will rather want to give churches incentives to support what the government is doing. I want us to be partners in the way that the development partners are with us. You are our domestic development partners and we will give you incentives to do more.”
Dr. Bawumia’s remarks were aimed at fostering collaboration and acknowledging the vital role of churches in national development. The clarification follows misconceptions arising from his earlier comments regarding taxation and incentivization during interactions with clergy members in various regions.
