The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev Prof Paul Frimpong Manso, has said that churches as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) must pay taxes on the “extra-spiritual” businesses they engage in for profit.
He added “indeed churches must go the extra mile; they must proactively submit periodic audited accounts to the revenue authorities while it is also incumbent on the revenue authorities to conduct periodic inspection of the churches’ books.
This would facilitate easy assessment of their tax obligations while taking the bitterness and harshness of tax compliance out of taxpayers.
He was speaking during a media interaction last weekend after emerging winner in the race for the church’s office of General Superintendent.
The election was held during the 29th Biennial General Conference of the church in Kumasi.
With the victory, he stands re-elected as General Superintendent for a third term.
Backing his call for churches to pay tax, the General Superintendent referred to the Biblical injunction on citizens to give unto Caesar the things that belong to him, saying “in the secular situation, the Caesar is the government. Caesar is expected to build roads, provide clinics and schools, ensure peace and security by paying the police and other security agencies.
“Caesar, on the other hand, needs our taxes to satisfy the needs of the people,” he stressed.
He was, however, against the state imposing taxes on church tithes and offerings since the church pays its workers, undertakes social services like potable water, health and educational facilities in deprived communities and cares for widows and the destitute in society with these funds.
Answering questions about his accomplishments in his two-year tenure, the General Superintendent mentioned that the Assemblies of God Technical University would admit students from September this year.
The existing Bible schools would also receive more teaching and accommodation facilities.
Rev Prof Frimpong Manso has over 30 years experience in church and ecumenical governance, as well as banking.
In Christian circles, he is also chairman of Ghana Evangelism Committee and currently serves on the National Executive Committee of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from University of Wales, a Master of Arts degree from Sheffield University and first degree from Cambridge University, all in the UK.
Outside the religious circles, Rev Frimpong-Manso chairs the Board of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
He is also the board chairman of Nordea Capital and Nordea Income Growth Fund Company.
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