Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says his government will ensure a strong relationship with religious groups in the country.

Addressing Christian and Muslim leadership at Akropong during his tour in the Eastern Region on Monday, April 29, Dr. Bawumia said faith-based groups have made significant contributions to the development of Ghana and it's about time they were recognized as important development partners.

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

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

Dr. Bawumia further stated that his government will create incentives for mutually beneficial relationship with the religious groups stressing "we are going to give incentives to faith-based organizations 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 organizations".

The meeting with the religious groups in Akropong marked the beginning of Dr. Bawumia's Regional tour.