Consider paying monthly stipends to pastors — Ghana Baptist Convention President tells gov't

The President for Ghana Baptist Convention Rev. Nii Narh Thompson has called on government to consider paying monthly stipends to pastors in the country over their contribution to Ghana’s socio-economic development.

Contrary to calls on churches to pay taxes for the country, Rev Thompson believes government should rather compensate churches due to the spiritual and social benefits the country receives from the religion.

He said this in an exclusive interview with this Reporter on Sunday April 28, 2024, during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Buokrom Baptist church in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region.

He underscored the contribution of churches to the socio-economic and spiritual development of the country over the past century, adding that the church had contributed immensely.

"Its sometimes worrying for people to call on churches to pay taxes, this goes to prove that the country is yet to see the good side of churches in Ghana, crime rate has reduced drastically because of the presence of churches in Ghana, churches have also contributed immensely to Ghana’s peaceful coexistence over the years, so I personally believe government should rather pay the churches instead of taking monies from them.

"The Church plays a crucial role in developing both the spiritual, and physical lives of Ghanaians and so I insist that government must consider monthly stipend for the Clergy in Ghana instead of calls on them to pay taxes," he emphasised.