Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has pledged to "incentivise churches" in recognition of their contribution to the development of the country, if he is elected president.

The Vice President pointed out some interventions and contributions the church has made post independence to justify his pledge.

Dr Bawumia said this at a meeting with the clergy as part of his Bono regional tour.

At the gathering, the Flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party said "If you look at the work the church has done, we should rather be paying them rather than them paying us. Unless you don't understand the work the church has done".

Dr Bawumia further explained that "If you look at the building, the way they're trying to keep the society together, the universities, the hospitals, the schools, it's just massive. Many churches have hundreds of schools so I don't see and I will not have a situation where we're taxing the churches. We rather want to give churches incentives to support what government is doing."

The Flagbearer likened the church to development partners and proclaimed how his administration will draw them closer to the state.

"I want us to be partners in the way that development partners are with us. You are our domestic development partners and we'll give you incentives to do more."

The Vice President is wrapping up his Bono regional tour and is expected to move to other regions on his mission to succeed President Akufo-Addo.