The Vice President of Ghana and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has explained his recent comments about churches and taxation.
Speaking during a meeting with clergy members in the Bono East region, Dr. Bawumia stated that his remarks had been misunderstood.
He reiterated his appreciation for the significant contributions of churches and other faith-based institutions to the country, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and other crucial infrastructure. Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of the work done by churches and faith-based organizations, highlighting the hospitals, universities, and social services they provide to the community.
During a subsequent meeting with clergy members in the North East Region, Dr. Bawumia clarified that he had been joking when he suggested that churches should be paid instead of taxed. He emphasized that his intention was to acknowledge the valuable contributions of churches and to propose offering incentives to support their continued work.
Dr. Bawumia stressed the need for churches to be viewed as partners in development, similar to international development partners. He expressed a desire to provide incentives for churches to collaborate with the government in advancing national development initiatives.
