Church will be development partner - Bawumia reaffirms
The Vice-President, Mahamudu Bawumia, has reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the Church and all faith-based organisations as key partners in national development.
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He made this known during a courtesy call on the Catholic Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwesi Gyamfi, yesterday morning.
The visit, which took place ahead of his campaign in the Bono Region, highlighted the Vice-President’s desire to strengthen ties between the government and faith-based organisations.
He expressed his appreciation for the Church’s role in shaping society and sought the prayers and spiritual blessings of the Bishop to guide his efforts.
"My Lord Bishop, as I have been indicating throughout my tours and also outlined in our manifesto, I am of the firm conviction that it’s time for us to see the Church and, in fact, all faith-based organisations, as development partners," he indicated.
Development partner
The Vice-President continued that "our churches have built more schools and perhaps hospitals plus others than even our international development partners. For you in the Catholic Church and even Bono Region here, you have produced the best senior high school in West Africa, that is St. James Seminary.
“Unfortunately, however, while international development partners benefit from all forms of tax incentives when they import materials for such good causes, the Church that does even more does not get such opportunities.
My government, by the grace of God, will ensure that whatever benefits the international development partners get, the Church will also get same, and even more," he assured.
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Dr Bawumia emphasised his commitment to tackle illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has become a major environmental concern in the country.
He assured the Bishop that his government, if elected, would prioritise the protection of the country’s natural resources, while working hand in hand with religious institutions to foster environmental stewardship.
He reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Church and the government in addressing this pressing issue.
The Vice-President further outlined his vision for an open-door government, promising that all faith-based organisations would have equal and unrestricted access to his office and administration.
He stressed that religious groups, including the Catholic Church, would be valued as essential partners in decision-making and the execution of development initiatives.
Dr Bawumia further expressed his desire to collaborate closely with the church in promoting peace, education and community development.
Catholic Bishop
In response, Most Rev. Gyamfi expressed his gratitude for the Vice-President’s visit, saying that it was the first time a sitting Vice-President had called on him.
He lauded Dr Bawumia’s efforts to build stronger ties with religious organisations and reaffirmed the church’s commitment to working with the government to ensure inclusive development.
The Bishop said the church remained dedicated to supporting initiatives that uplifted communities and contributed to the nation’s progress. Also in attendance was the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, Very Rev. Fr Thomas Oppong Febiri.