Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has reaffirmed his commitment to recognizing the church and all faith-based organizations as key partners in national development.

He made this declaration during a courtesy visit to the Catholic Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev. Mathew Kwesi Gyamfi.

The visit took place prior to Dr. Bawumia's campaign in the Bono Region and emphasized his desire to strengthen the relationship between the government and faith-based organizations. He expressed gratitude for the church's influential role in shaping society and sought the Bishop's prayers and blessings to guide his efforts.

"My Lord Bishop," he stated, "as I have been indicating throughout my tours and also outlined in our manifesto, I firmly believe it is time to view the church and all faith-based organizations as development partners."

Dr. Bawumia highlighted the significant contributions of churches, stating, "Our churches have built more schools, and perhaps hospitals, than even our international development partners. For you in the Catholic Church and here in the Bono Region, you have produced the best senior high school in West Africa, St. James Seminary."

He criticized the disparity in tax incentives, noting that while international development partners receive various benefits for importing materials, the church, which contributes significantly to societal welfare, does not enjoy similar opportunities. He promised that his government would work to ensure that the church receives the same benefits as international partners, if not more.

The Vice President also addressed the pressing issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources. He assured the Bishop that, if elected, his administration would prioritize environmental stewardship and collaborate with religious institutions to address this critical concern.

Dr. Bawumia pledged to maintain an open-door policy, assuring all faith-based organizations will have equal access to his office and administration.

He emphasized that religious groups, including the Catholic Church, would be regarded as vital partners in decision-making and the execution of development initiatives. He expressed a strong desire to work closely with the church to promote peace, education, and community development.

In response, the Catholic Bishop expressed his appreciation for the Vice President’s visit, noting it was a historic occasion as it was the first time a sitting vice president had called on him.

He commended Dr. Bawumia's efforts to strengthen ties with religious organizations and reaffirmed the church's commitment to collaborating with the government for inclusive development. The Bishop underscored the church’s dedication to supporting initiatives that uplift communities and contribute to national progress.

Also present at the meeting was Very Rev. Father Thomas Oppong Febiri, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani.