The flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for election 2024, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to strengthen religious coexistence in the country if he's voted into office.

Addressing Christian and Muslim leaders in Akropong, Eastern Region, Dr Bawumia said that faith-based groups have made significant contributions to the development of Ghana, and it's about time they are recognised as important development partners, just like any of Ghana's external partners.

"I want us and faith-based organisations to have a close relationship; a development-based partnership, just like any of our external partners," he said.

"If you look at the works the faith-based organisations have done for Ghana in terms of infrastructure like schools and hospitals, it is better than whatever our development partners have given," he said.

The Vice President stated that just as the government does with external partners, his government will create incentives for a mutually beneficial relationship with religious groups, as far as investment and development are concerned.

"We are going to give incentives to faith-based organisations for them to be able to help Ghana more. My government is going to give a lot of incentives to assist the faith-based group to help government more."

"There is going to be a golden age between the government and faith based organisations," he added.

The meeting with the religious groups in Akropong marked the beginning of Dr Bawumia's regional tour, which began in the Eastern Region on Monday.