Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has commended churches and other religious bodies for what he says is their contribution to the government’s Ghana Beyond Aid.
Citing the Church of Pentecost as an example of indigenous churches that has provided a wide range of infrastructure being utilized by countless Ghanaians, Dr. Bawumia said self-reliance for Ghana was achievable.
He also urged Faith-Based Organisations to complement Government’s efforts to meet the social and other needs of Ghanaians. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia made the call when he addressed the 43rd General Council Meeting of the Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh on Wednesday.
Addressing the congregation, made up of representatives from all the Church’s branches in 99 countries, Vice President Bawumia said the people of Ghana could learn from the story of the Church of Pentecost.
“Despite the pragmatic measures that Government has rolled out to ensure the realization of this vision, we are also encouraged by the example set by the Church of Pentecost. As an indigenous church, with no foreign or external support, you have through the prudent management of resources firmly established branches of the church in ninety-nine (99) countries.”
“Aside other phenomenal investment made in the educational and health sectors of our economy, the church again, from its own homegrown resources, has managed to put up the World Class Pentecost Convention Centre where this meeting is currently taking place. The Church of Pentecost, thus, provides the needed example that with the right kind of leadership and prudent management of resources, the vision of Ghana Beyond Aid is not only achievable but realistic.”
Vice President Bawumia also urged the church to educate Ghanaians on the importance of fulfilling their tax obligations.
“With your numbers (2.5 million members as of December 2017 in Ghana), the Church of Pentecost is better placed to use its influential platform in the various communities to educate members on the need to fulfill their tax obligations.
“You have done magnificent work through tithes and donations. Government can learn from you. To build a Ghana beyond aid, we need to step up tax collection as a way to mobilise enough resources to pay for healthcare, water, roads, build schools, hospitals, and care for those in society who just are not able to provide for themselves because of sickness, old age or loss of a spouse.”
Source: citinewsroom.com