The debate has resurfaced again on whether the churches in the country should pay taxes to the state from the incomes they earn.
This debate became a major topic for discussion during the newspaper review segment of Adom FM’s Morning Show, ‘Dwaso Nsem’ on Wednesday.
Adom News Editor and Anchor, Afia Pokua who could not stand the proposition by Captain Smart and the Newspaper Reviewers – Nana Osei Ampofo Adjei and Ohemaa Sakyiwaa – stormed the studio to defend the churches which she argued offer emotional support to the state.
According to her, the churches are registered as non-profit organizations and hence there is no need for them to pay tax.
Her argument had earlier been backed by men of God who called in to the show to express their views against the suggestion by the EP Church.
Reverend Bosumtwi Ayensu of the Dzorwulu branch of the Methodist Church argued that workers of the church especially Pastors pay tax on their salaries and that was okay.
He however agreed to suggestions that Pastors who sell anointing oils as well as engage in other private entities must pay taxes to the state.
Reverend Frimpong Manso of the Assemblies of God also argued that it is not appropriate for the church to pay tax because churches complement the government in many ways.
But these arguments, Captain Smart and the news reviewers who were supported by callers to the programme said it was necessary for the churches to pay tax since they rent out their auditoriums to members who organize their weddings in them.
The churches, they argued, also engage in other business activities that must be taxed.
These arguments, Afia Pokua strongly disagreed.
Watch her in a heated argument with Captain Smart and the other news reviewers: