Church of Pentecost an example that Ghana beyond aid is possible - Bawumia

The Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has praised the Church of Pentecost for its socio-economic contributions without any external support.

Speaking at the church's 43rd General Council Meeting Wednesday, the Vice-President raved about the church's ability to use indigenous resources to impact their communities.

He said the government wants to emulate this type of mentality hence the constant reference to its vision of a Ghana beyond aid.

The church headquartered in Ghana, he said, "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 realistic but achievable".

The church controls 84 basic schools, 8 health institutions, two senior high schools, three vocational institutes and a university college.

Addressing a large gathering of pastors and their wives, Dr. Bawumia described the venue as the "world class" Pentecost Convention Center (PCC), the health and education institutions as "phenomenal investments".

The more than 250-acre PCC which can accommodate more than 20,000 people in several auditorium sizes, has played an important role in improving the local economy.

It was opened in 2013 and built without any fundraising activity in the church or outside it.

The leadership of the Church of Pentecost has pointed to its covenant with God not to borrow money or owe anybody.

Dr. Bawumia on a lighter note said he may have to invite the Chairman of the church, Apostle Prof. Opoku Onyinah, to one of the meetings of the government's Economic Management Team.

He said the government may learn a thing or two on prudent management from an indigenous gone global with more than 3.3 million members scattered across 20,000 assemblies in 99 countries.

"You have proven yourself to be a proven Nation Builder," he told the church.

The latest social contribution is the construction of a police station plus barracks for the Goma Fetteh community where urbanisation has seen rapid constructions.

Dr. Bawumia said while on campaign trails he observed that the church as "signboards in very remote places in Ghana".

This, he said shows the church is a strategic position to improve lives and also disseminate government policies and communications.

He said the church can play an important role in helping the government collect taxes by educating their members on this Christian duty.

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