Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Vice-Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced a new initiative to support faith-based organizations driving national development. Speaking at the annual church conference of the Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, Dr. Prempeh revealed that under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vision, these organizations will receive additional incentives if the NPP wins the 2024 general elections.
“Faith-based organizations that meet a certain threshold in their contribution to national development will be given additional incentives to enhance their work as development partners,” he noted.
This initiative aims to recognize and empower groups like the Kristo Asafo Mission, which has significantly contributed to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Dr. Prempeh, the former Minister of Education, emphasized that these incentives will enable faith-based organizations to expand their reach and deepen their impact, fostering sustainable development and improving lives.
The move is also intended to promote collaboration between the government and religious organizations, fostering a culture of partnership and collective progress. Dr. Prempeh urged the church to deepen its collaboration and dialogue with other religious bodies to enhance national development, believing such efforts will sustain the peace Ghana has always enjoyed.
“Ghana is blessed with peace, cooperation, and dialogue between various faiths, particularly Christianity and Islam. This is crucial in a world where enmity between faiths often leads to violence and destabilization,” he said.
Dr. Prempeh shared personal anecdotes from his childhood in Kumasi’s Ashanti New Town and Allah Bar enclave, where he formed enduring friendships with Muslims. He highlighted these experiences as a testament to Ghana’s religious tolerance and national unity.
“Growing up, I had many Muslim friends with whom I celebrated Easter, Christmas, and Eid festivals. Our respective religious faiths did not matter in our friendships,” he added. “This experience is reflected across our beautiful country and shows how we have grown and infused religious tolerance into our national life.”
He cited the NPP’s Presidential candidate, a passionate advocate of inter-faith dialogue, known for his regular visits to and interactions with churches. Dr. Prempeh urged the country to continue fostering dialogue between religious bodies to help consolidate the peace Ghana enjoys.
This groundbreaking initiative by the NPP seeks to harness the potential of faith-based organizations in driving national development. By providing additional support, the party aims to strengthen these organizations’ roles as key partners in achieving sustainable growth.
Faith-based organizations have long been instrumental in complementing government efforts in various sectors. The proposed incentives are expected to boost their capacity to make a more significant impact, thereby fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society.
The NPP’s commitment to supporting faith-based organizations highlights the party’s dedication to inclusive development. As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, this initiative could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future, ensuring that all segments of society contribute to and benefit from national progress.
Source: Ghana Web
