Churches, faith-based groups deserve incentives for supporting development – Bawumia
The Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated his commitment to providing incentives to churches and faith-based organizations in recognition of their significant contributions to national development.
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Speaking during a campaign engagement with community stakeholders, including clergy and imams, in Sefwi Wiawso, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the vital role religious groups play in supporting the country's development.
He noted that, despite their contributions, these groups currently do not receive the same incentives that are extended to foreign development partners.
Dr. Bawumia promised that, under his leadership, this would change. He pledged to offer churches and faith-based groups incentives, including waivers on special equipment and machinery used for development projects.
"I want to collaborate with the churches and Islamic institutions. When you look at the volume of development work in this country, they contribute a lot. They build schools and hospitals, yet the government does not give them incentives," Dr. Bawumia told the clergy and imams.
He emphasized that religious organisations often use their own resources for these projects without any form of support from the government. Comparing this to the aid given to foreign development partners, he stressed the need for a shift in policy.
"When foreign aid organisations come here for development, they are classified as development partners and receive certain benefits, such as waivers on duties for materials used in building schools or churches. But when churches or Islamic institutions bring in similar materials, they are asked to pay duties. I want to change that," Dr. Bawumia explained.
"I want to reclassify churches and faith-based institutions as development partners, so they can enjoy the same incentives extended to foreign development partners. When they bring in equipment for schools and hospitals, they will also be exempt from duties. This will significantly aid the development of our country."
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Dr. Bawumia's proposal was warmly received by the representatives of the religious groups, who expressed their excitement at the prospect of receiving such support.
In previous visits, both clergy and imams in various communities have also welcomed the initiative, recognising its potential to further enhance the work of religious institutions in national development.