Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the NPP, 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 known 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, highlighted the Vice President’s desire to strengthen ties between the government and faith-based organizations. 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.
The Vice President said Churches have built more schools and perhaps hospitals among others more than even international development partners, adding that the Catholic Church have produced the best senior high school in West Africa, that is St. James Seminary. He indicated that a Bawumia Presidency will support churches in the forms of tax incentives when they import materials for such good causes.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia reiterated his promise to run an open-door government if elected, assuring that all faith-based organizations will have equal and unfettered access to his office.
The Catholic Bishop, Most Rev. Mathew Kwesi Gyamfi, expressed his gratitude for the Vice President’s visit, noting 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 organizations and reaffirmed the church’s commitment to working with the government to ensure inclusive development.
The Bishop stressed that the church remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that uplift communities and contribute to the nation’s progress.
Also in attendance was Very Rev. Father Thomas Oppong Febiri – Vicar General of Catholic Diocese of Sunyani.