The Bible Society of Ghana recently organised a seminar at Sem-B Lodge Ltd, Wa, to look at the Dagaare names of books in the old testament.
The participants in the seminar comprised a team drawn from the different religious denominations in the Upper West Region.
In attendance also was the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Enoch Eric Aryee Atta, and the Bishop of Wa, Most Rev. Richard Kuuia Baawobr.
At the seminar, the focus was on the books of Ruth and Jonah. The Bible Society of Ghana has translated these books into Dagaare, therefore the seminar was held to further deliberate on the naming of the books in Dagaare. Whereas the Book of Ruth was given the name “ Urut”, that of Jonah is to be called “ Gyona”.
The two books were launched on Sunday, 12th July, 2020 by the Bishop of Wa, Most Rev. Baawobr at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Wa.
During the launching, Most Rev. Baawobr thanked the Bible Society of Ghana for all the translation works they have been doing. He expressed his aspiration, and indeed all Dagaaba Christians who are looking to see the complete Dagaare Bible translated, published and made available for use.
On the side-lines of the event, the General Secretary presented a congratulatory message to Most Rev. Baawobr, following his recent papal appointment as a member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.
The General Secretary later paid a courtesy call on the Bishop of Wa at the Diocesan Secretariat, Maria Yiri. He was accompanied by some members of the Bible Society of Ghana.
During the visit, the General Secretary said there was a need for the Bible Society of Ghana to collaborate more with the Catholic Church. He indicated the collaboration was important in the areas of the translation, publication and distribution of the Word of God in the various local languages for easy understanding.
Currently, there is no complete recognised translation of the entire Bible i.e. both Old &New Testament into Dagaare. It has become necessary as many people have the desire to read the word in their own language.
Over the years, there have been conscious efforts to get the entire Bible translated into Dagaare so as to allow the people of God to be nourished by the word of God. To this end, the General Secretary was in the region to collaborate with others and let the full translation be a reality.
Source: Rev.Fr. Paul Gaa/Emmanuel Wullingdool
