Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), announced that churches and faith-based organizations will receive tax waivers on their imports under his presidency. He emphasized that these organizations are crucial development partners in Ghana and deserve the same benefits as external development partners.
Bawumia pointed out the disparity between external development partners and faith-based organizations regarding tax waivers. While external partners enjoy tax exemptions on materials imported to improve various sectors, churches are required to pay import duties on similar materials used for constructing schools and hospitals. He committed to re-designate churches and faith-based institutions as development partners, enabling them to benefit from import duty waivers and other incentives.
This announcement was made at the Holy Ghost Temple of the Assemblies of God Church in Bolgatanga, located in the Upper East Region. It came during Bawumia’s recently concluded constituency-focused campaign tour of the region. The flagbearer visited all 15 constituencies, met with Paramount and Divisional Chiefs to seek their blessings, and addressed rallies of party supporters across the region.
Bawumia lauded the significant role of the Church in nation-building, noting that despite their contributions, the government has historically not recognized the Church’s role in development. “We often think of external partners as our development partners, but I believe that the Church and faith-based institutions are our primary development partners in this country,” he stated.
Highlighting Ghana’s peace and religious tolerance, Bawumia remarked, “Ghana is the most peaceful country in West Africa and one of the most peaceful in Africa. Religious tolerance underpins the peace we have in Ghana. We share many common values across different religions, yet sometimes, we amplify minor differences rather than the values we share.”
Bawumia’s commitment to faith-based organizations is seen as a significant step towards recognizing their contributions to national development. He assured that his administration would ensure that these organizations receive the necessary support to continue their development work.
Joining Bawumia at the church service were several ministers of state and former government appointees. These included Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, the Minister for Defense; Mr. Ambrose Dery, former Minister for the Interior; Alhaji Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih, Upper East Regional Minister; Madam Tangoba Abayage and Mr. Rockson Ayine Bukari, both former Upper East Regional Ministers; and other party executives and dignitaries.
The announcement has been welcomed by many within the faith-based community, who see it as a recognition of their efforts in contributing to national development. Churches and other faith-based institutions have long been involved in various development projects, including building schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure. These efforts have often been self-funded, with little to no support from the government.
By re-designating these organizations as development partners, Bawumia aims to level the playing field and ensure that they receive the same benefits as other development partners. This move is expected to encourage more faith-based organizations to engage in development activities, further contributing to Ghana’s growth and development.
