Okere Language Gospel of Mark Launched to Promote Bible Reading in Local Languages
Okere Gospel of Mark Launched to Support Bible Accessibility and Cultural Preservation
- This initiative is part of a broader project to translate the entire Bible into Okere
- The Bible Society of Ghana is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the Bible
- He encouraged the Bible Society of Ghana to expedite efforts to develop the Okere alphabet.
In an effort to promote Bible reading in local Ghanaian languages and spread the gospel, the Bible Society of Ghana has launched a translation of the Gospel of Mark into the Okere language, specifically for the Okere-speaking communities in Ghana.
This initiative is part of a broader project to translate the entire Bible into Okere, facilitating better understanding and accessibility of the scriptures in the mother tongue of the community.
The Bible Society of Ghana is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the Bible, ideally in their native language. Several key figures have played pivotal roles in making this translation of the Gospel of Mark in Okere a reality.
The translated book follows the standard chapters and verses found in other Bible translations.
Speakers at the launch event emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting native languages, encouraging the younger generation to learn and understand their cultural heritage, which is deeply tied to their language.
Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, Akuapem Nifahene and Adukromhene, expressed gratitude to the translation committee for their tireless efforts.
He urged residents both locally and abroad to support the project financially, enabling the completion of the full Bible translation into Okere.
Very Rev. John Kwesi Addo, the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana, praised the Okere language for its uniqueness, highlighting that God desires to speak to His people in a language they understand.
He emphasized that the translation of the scriptures into Okere will help strengthen the community’s faith and understanding of God’s word. He also proposed that local languages like Okere should be considered for use in the legislative house.
Daniel Nana Addo Kenneth, the MP for Okere Constituency, expressed his deep appreciation for the translation team and was thrilled that his people could now read the Bible in their native language.
He encouraged the Bible Society of Ghana to expedite efforts to develop the Okere alphabet.
Once approved by the Bureau of Languages, he hopes it will be taught in schools within Okere-speaking communities.
