Contemporary Akuapem Twi Bible, “Nkwa AsƐm” launched

The International Bible Society (Biblica) has launched the new contemporary Akuapem Twi Bible called “Nkwa AsƐm”.

The purpose of the translation project was to give Akuapem speakers an alternate Bible easy to read, easy to understand, accurate and in contemporary Akuapem Twi.

The philosophy of the translation project was based on the philosophy of the English Living Bible (ELB), published by the Living Bible International (LBI).

Launch
Speaking at the launch of “Nkwa AsƐm” at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Akropong on Friday, November 28, the West Africa Council Member of Biblica, Rev. Walter Aboagye Pimpong said the Akuapem Twi translation of the Bible was a great additional resource for the church.

He explained that the new Akuapem Twi Biblica translation will serve as a platform for intentional engaging ministry that serve the needs of the language community especially the unreached and unengaged.

Commitment
The Africa Area Director of Translations, Biblica, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Boafo, reiterated Biblica’s commitment to producing Bible translations with focus on accuracy, faithfulness to the original Greek and Hebrew texts and clarity to the reader.

“Research has shown that whenever the Bible is translated, into the language of every community, the word gains root in that community and also renews the church in that community,” he added.

Ghanaian Languages
The Rector of the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Rev Prof Benhardt Quarshie lamented the growing trend of preference for foreign languages over Ghanaian languages.

This trend according to him, made it difficult for the older generation to transfer the Ghanaian culture and values to the younger generation.

“One of the most important gifts God has given to us is language. It is the vehicle for carrying the weight of culture. Language defines us. It is through language that our values as a people group are translated from one generation to another. If we lose our language, we’re losing our identity as a people. Let us not abandon our languages”, Rev Prof Quarshie appealed.