Chakali Oral New Testament Unveiled, Marks Milestone for Language Preservation

The Chakali Oral New Testament has been officially dedicated at a durbar held in Duccie in the Wa East District, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of the Chakali language and culture.

The audio scripture was produced by the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) with support from Spoken Worldwide.

Speaking at the dedication, the Executive Director of GILLBT, Rev Dr Charles Adu-Twumasi, said the Chakali language is not merely a tool for communication but a carrier of the history, values and identity of the Chakali people. He said the development of the language represents a contribution to national development, noting that just as physical infrastructure builds a nation, the preservation of language and the Word of God equally contribute to its growth.

He expressed gratitude to Spoken Worldwide for their technical support and commitment to oral Bible translation, stating that without their partnership, the milestone would not have been achieved. He noted that GILLBT has been engaged in language preservation work in Ghana for 64 years, with the aim of ensuring that every language in the country is translated and preserved for posterity.

Rev Dr Adu-Twumasi described the work as going beyond translation to transformation, saying many in the Chakali community would now hear God speak to them in their own language. He disclosed plans to build on the achievement by developing literacy work and other materials in the Chakali language, with the long-term goal of having the language written for many to read.

Also speaking at the event, the District Chief Executive for Wa East, Adamu Sayibu, said language remains central to the identity and development of every people, including the Chakali, describing it as the medium through which history, knowledge, values and traditions are transmitted from one generation to the next. He said the Chakali language forms an important part of the cultural heritage of the people of Wa East and Ghana as a whole, and called for collective efforts to preserve it.

Mr Sayibu noted that government recognises the need to build strong educational foundations in language, mathematics, science and cultural literacy, supported by cooperation among schools, parents, religious leaders, traditional authorities and communities. He said the Chakali Oral New Testament contributes to this objective by making important information accessible in the mother tongue of the Chakali people, particularly benefiting the elderly and those with limited literacy through its audio format.

He urged the people to reflect on the values taught in the Bible — love, peace, honesty, discipline, compassion, forgiveness, hard work and service to humanity — describing them as essential not only to faith but also to community and national development. He called on the people to reject violence, substance abuse and other behaviours that threaten the future of the youth.

The Chief of Katua, Naa Osman Kudaribour, speaking on behalf of the Busa Naa, Naa Ali Seidu Pelpuo Yelmaana, commended the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) and Spoken Worldwide for the Chakali Oral New Testament.

He noted that the area is predominantly a farming community and appealed for agricultural materials, particularly resources on the importance of the shea tree, to be translated into the Chakali language. He argued that doing so would benefit many people in the area, since the majority of residents are farmers.