Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated his intention to designate all faith-based organizations, including the church, as essential collaborators in the process of national development.
During a polite visit with Most Rev. Mathew Kwesi Gyamfi, the Catholic Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, he disclosed this information.
The Vice President’s intention to improve relations between the state and religious organizations was made clear by the visit, which happened before he launched his campaign in the Bono Region this morning.
He acknowledged the importance of the church in forming society and asked the bishop for guidance in his endeavors through prayer and spiritual blessings.
“My Lord Bishop, as I have been indicating throughout my tours and also outlined in our manifesto, I am of the firm conviction that iit is time for us to see the church and, in fact, all fath-based organisations as development partners”, he said.
“Our churches have built more schools and perhaps hospitals plus others than even our international development partners. For you in the Catholic Church and even Bono Region here, you have produced the best senior high school in West Africa, that is St. James Seminary.
Unfortunately, however, while international development partners benefit from all forms.of tax incentives when they import materials for such good causes, the church that does even more do not get such opportunities. My government, by the grace of God, will ensure that whatever benefits the international development partners get, the church will also get same, and even more.” he added.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized his dedication to addressing galamsey, or illegal mining, which has grown to be a significant environmental issue in the nation.
He gave the Bishop his word that, should he be elected, his administration will place a high priority on safeguarding the nation’s natural resources and collaborating with religious organizations to promote environmental stewardship.
He emphasized once more how crucial it is for the government and the church to work together to solve this urgent problem.
The vice president went on to discuss his idea of an open government, pledging to grant equal and unfettered access to his office and administration to all faith-based organizations.
Dr Bawumia emphasized that religious organizations, such as the Catholic Church, will be seen as crucial collaborators in the process of making decisions and carrying out development programs. In order to advance community development, education, and peace, Dr. Bawumia stated that he wished to work closely with the church.
As a reaction, the Catholic Bishop thanked the Vice President for coming to see him, pointing out that this was the first time a sitting vice president had done so.
He applauded Dr. Bawumia’s endeavors to forge closer relationships with religious establishments and restated the church’s resolve to collaborating with the state to guarantee inclusive development.
The bishop emphasized that the church is still committed to assisting with projects that improve communities and advance the country.
Very Rev. Father Thomas Oppong Febiri, the general vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, was also there.
Source: newsthemegh.com/