The Vice President and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reaffirmed his dedication to providing incentives for churches and faith-based organizations, acknowledging their substantial contributions to the nation’s development.
During a campaign event with community leaders, including religious figures such as clergy and imams, in Sefwi Wiawso, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the essential role that religious organizations play in fostering the country’s progress.
He pointed out that, despite their significant contributions, these organizations do not currently receive the same incentives as foreign development partners.
Dr. Bawumia assured that this situation would be addressed under his administration. He committed to offering incentives to churches and faith-based organizations, which would include exemptions on specialized equipment and machinery utilized for development initiatives.
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.
He highlighted that religious organizations frequently utilize their own resources for these initiatives without receiving any governmental support. In contrast to the assistance provided to foreign development partners, he underscored the necessity for a change 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.
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.
