Ghana’s Komba people received their complete Bible after 16 years of dedicated translation work. Speaking during the launch event last month, Rev. Dr. John Kwesi Addo Jnr., General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana (BSG), emphasized that this Bible will deepen faith while serving as a major repository to preserve the Komba language and culture from extinction.

“This was more than a dedication. It was a cultural event that united the entire community: Christians, Paramount Chiefs, elders, and Muslims, all celebrating 16 years of tireless translation work,” BSG noted in a statement.

BSG partnered with the Lutheran Bible Translators to deliver the Komba Bible in the hope that the Bible “will shape lives, strengthen families, and combat moral decay.”

The Komba people live in Ghana’s northeast region. Unlike many neighboring groups with centralized chieftaincy structures, the Konkomba traditionally organized themselves without a central ruling authority. Social life centers around lineages, clans, village elders, and local religious and spiritual leaders.

The Bible Society of Ghana (BSG) has launched the distribution of its 60th Anniversary Bibles to Junior High Schools (JHSs) students across the country as part of efforts to promote access to the Scriptures and nurture moral values among the youth.

The initiative forms part of the society’s programme to distribute 50,000 Bibles to students across the country over the next five-year period, particularly in underserved communities, to ensure that young people have access to the Word of God.

Speaking at the launch in Accra on Wednesday, the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana, Very Reverend Dr John Kwesi Addo Jnr, said the project was inspired by findings from a survey conducted in selected public schools, which revealed that a significant number of JHS students did not own a Bible.

According to him, the situation highlighted the need to provide students with the Scriptures to complement their academic studies and help instil values such as integrity, honesty and good neighbourliness.

Very Rev. Dr Addo Jnr urged the beneficiaries to read and live by the teachings of the Bible, stressing that the Word of God remained a vital tool for personal development and national transformation.

He explained that the distribution programme aligns with the society’s mission of making the Bible available and affordable in order to transform lives and communities.

A Supreme Court Judge, Justice Ms Avril Lovelace-Johnson, encouraged students to cultivate the habit of reading, particularly the Bible, describing it as an essential tool for acquiring knowledge, building character and achieving success in life.

She said reading remained one of the most powerful habits a person could develop, as it broadened knowledge, improved communication skills and enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Justice Lovelace-Johnson also advised students to be selective in their reading choices and focus on materials that would positively shape their lives and future careers.

“The Bible teaches us what is right and wrong and helps us make wise decisions in life,” she said, adding that regular study of God’s Word strengthened faith and offered hope, encouragement and guidance.

She further urged students to take their studies seriously, noting that access to education was a privilege that many children around the world did not enjoy.

Justice Lovelace-Johnson also encouraged them to respect their parents and teachers, avoid negative influences and use their time wisely.

She called on the students to pursue their dreams with determination and integrity, stressing that diligence and discipline were key to becoming successful professionals and future leaders.

The Chairman of the Bible Society of Ghana, Rt Rev. Dr Daniel Sylvanus Torto, described the Bible as the “compass for life” and urged students to make it their daily guide.

He explained that just as a compass helps a captain navigate safely to a destination, the Bible provides direction and guidance for life.

BY EUGENE AMPIAW

The Bible Society of Ghana (BSG) has launched the Clean and Green Earth Durbar in Accra under the theme: ‘Encouraging Local Action for Environmental Sustainability’.

The five-year environmental and public health initiative is expected to be implemented in schools in Accra.

As part of the programme, there was a tree planting to mark the programme.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, Member of Parliament for Ododdodiodoo Constituency, Mr Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie said “Encouraging local action for environmental sustainability begins with recognising that environmental challenges affect everyone equally.”

He said issues like flooding and poor sanitation did not discriminate by religion, status, or background, adding that teaching proper waste separation and encouraging responsible behaviour “helps build lifelong habits.”

“By protecting wetlands, enforcing regulations, and promoting tree planting, communities can secure a cleaner, safer future for generations to come,” he stated.

A Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr Samuel Koranteng , on his part added that “Encouraging local action for environmental sustainability demands a critical examination of persistent challenges such as indiscriminate waste disposal, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and ineffective enforcement of environmental regulations”.

Mr Koranteng observed that rapid urban growth, poor drainage systems, and limited waste management services have significantly intensified flooding and heightened public health concerns.

He stated those issues required a deliberate shift in individual and community behaviour.

“Citizens must practice responsible waste disposal, honour sanitation obligations, and actively participate in clean-up initiatives while promoting recycling and environmental discipline,” Mr Koranteng stated.

He stressed that lasting sustainability depends on joint action by government and citizens, supported by strict law enforcement, better waste and drainage systems, and continuous public education.

BY NELLY QUARCOOPOME

The Bible Society of Ghana (BSG) has officially kicked off preparations for a comprehensive New Nzema Bible Translation Project following a landmark stakeholder engagement meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Adom Praise Assemblies of God Church in Aiyinase.

The high-level gathering brought together traditional rulers, clergy, language experts, government representatives, and community leaders across Nzemaland to foster community ownership and establish a collaborative foundation for the initiative.

The meeting was chaired by Awulae Kwasi Amekyi III, Paramount Chief of Jomoro and Chairman of the Western Nzema Traditional Authority. Commending the BSG for the timely initiative, Awulae Amekyi III stressed that translating the Scriptures into

contemporary language is vital to keeping the Word of God accessible to future generations. He called on all traditional authorities and citizens to fully support the project.

Outlining the vision behind the initiative, the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana, Very Rev. Dr. John Kwesi Addo Jnr, highlighted the evolving nature of human

speech.

“Language is a living entity. With time, words shift in meaning, expressions evolve, and the pulse of daily speech changes between generations,” stated Very Rev. Dr. Addo Jnr. “The goal is not to displace the Nzema language, but to refresh it by

producing a faithful, accurate, and contemporary translation that speaks directly to the heart, mind, and soul of every modern Nzema reader.”

The technical session, led by BSG Translation Consultant Rev. Dr. Kennedy Kwame Owiredu, outlined the factors necessitating a fresh translation over a revision, alongside the translation roadmap—from translator recruitment and drafting to community testing and final publication.

Key traditional leaders present included Awulae Angama Tu-Agyan (Paramount Chief of Bamenko), Obahemaa Manyi III (Queen Mother of Mbem), Obahemaa Ehyia Kpanyinli (Queen Mother of K-Town), and Nana Etwe Kpanyinli VI (Traditional Chief of Aiyinase). Hon. Joseph Agyekum, District Chief Executive for Ellembelle, and representatives from the Bureau of Ghana Languages, the Nzema Writers Association, and major Christian denominations were also in attendance.

The engagement ended with unanimous endorsement from all stakeholders, who pledged their support through prayer, technical expertise, and local advocacy.Following this successful consultation, the Bible Society of Ghana is set to proceed

with preparations toward the official launch of the New Nzema Bible Translation Project in early 2027.

Bible Society of Ghana begins project to translate Bible into Nzema language