Sunyani, Ghana – In a significant ceremony held at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Sunyani, the Bible Society of Ghana unveiled the Bono New Testament Bible. This edition of the Bible incorporates all 27 books of the New Testament, meticulously translated and published in Bono-Twi Apam Foforo.
The newly introduced Bible is designed with practicality in mind, featuring attributes such as portability, a compact size for convenience, and a legible font. It includes amenities like a ribbon marker, book introductions, parallel references, cross-references, and illustrations.
The launch of the Bono New Testament Bible represents a pivotal achievement in enhancing accessibility to Scriptures among the Bono-speaking populace.
Very Reverend Prof. John David Kwamena Ekem, a Translation Consultant, recounted the inception of the Bono translation initiative, which commenced on August 27, 2017, in Sunyani. This ambitious project engaged the expertise of three translators—Rev. Daniel Asomah Gyabaa, Rev. Dr. Isaac Boaheng, and Mrs. Afia Aframa—who underwent rigorous local and international training over three years to ensure proficiency. Additionally, a committee of 15 reviewers, each trained extensively in Bible translation principles, played a crucial role in refining the translation.
Rev. Prof. Ekem highlighted two significant milestones achieved during the project: the establishment of a standardized orthography for the Bono language in 2018, approved by the Bureau of Ghana Languages, and the publication of the Bono Gospel of Mark, launched on July 29, 2018, in Techiman, Bon East Region.
Speaking on behalf of the Bible Society of Ghana, Very Rev. Dr. John Kwesi Addo Jr., General Secretary, expressed the organization’s commitment to ensuring the Bible is accessible to Ghanaians in languages and formats that resonate deeply with them. Citing studies indicating a stronger faith foundation and deeper understanding when individuals engage with Scripture in their native language, he underscored the societal impact of these translations.
Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, Bono Regional Minister, stressed the significance of linguistic proficiency in enhancing local understanding and effective communication. She highlighted the translation of the Bible into the Bono language as a means to preserve cultural heritage and foster spiritual connectivity among indigenous communities.
Advocating for the development of more literary and educational materials in the Bono dialect, the Regional Minister emphasized their role in enhancing communication, understanding, and social cohesion within Bono communities.
Pastor Robert Ransford Yeboah, Immediate Past Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director of the Midwest Ghana Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, reflected on the event’s theme, “We Hear Them Speak in Our Own Language.” He underscored the pivotal role of language in gospel propagation and effective communication, emphasizing its impact on encoding and decoding messages.
The launch of the Bono New Testament Bible marks a significant stride towards cultural preservation and spiritual enrichment within the Bono-speaking community, heralding a new chapter in accessibility and engagement with the Scriptures.