Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has reaffirmed his commitment to classifying the church and all faith-based organizations as key partners in national development.
He made this statement during a courtesy call on the Catholic Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev. Mathew Kwesi Gyamfi.
The visit, which took place ahead of his campaign in the Bono Region, underscored the Vice President’s desire to strengthen ties between the government and faith-based organizations.
Dr. Bawumia expressed his appreciation for the church’s role in shaping society and sought the Bishop’s prayers and blessings to guide his efforts.
He reiterated his belief that it is time for the church, and all faith-based organizations, to be recognized as development partners.
“Our churches have built more schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure than even our international development partners,” Bawumia noted.
He cited St. James Seminary in the Bono Region as an example, calling it the best senior high school in West Africa.
He promised that his government would ensure the church receives the same tax incentives as international development partners when importing materials for development projects.
Dr. Bawumia also addressed the issue of illegal mining (galamsey), emphasizing that his government would prioritize protecting the country’s natural resources while collaborating with religious institutions to promote environmental stewardship.
He outlined his vision for an open-door government, where all faith-based organizations would have equal access to his administration, and highlighted the church’s role as a key partner in peace, education, and community development.
Most Rev. Mathew Kwesi Gyamfi expressed his gratitude in response, noting that this was the first time a sitting vice president had called on him.
He commended Dr. Bawumia for strengthening ties with religious organizations and reaffirmed the church’s commitment to inclusive development.
Also present at the meeting was Very Rev. Father Thomas Oppong Febiri, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani.