Early scriptures of the Gold Coast (Ghana)

By John David Kwamena Ekem

Book Description

This illuminating work unveils the remarkable journey of bringing sacred texts to the people of Ghana and Togo through their native tongues. Author John David Kwamena Ekem, who directs the Institute of Mother-tongue Biblical Hermeneutics at Trinity Theological Seminary in Ghana, chronicles five centuries of collaborative translation efforts between African communities and European missionaries.

The book explores how biblical texts were first rendered into four major regional languages: Gã, Twi, and Ewe, along with another key language of the region. Through detailed historical accounts, readers discover the complex challenges these translation teams faced and the innovative solutions they developed to bridge cultural and linguistic divides.

Ekem presents compelling examples that reveal how translation work became far more than a linguistic exercise. These efforts required deep cultural understanding, theological sensitivity, and remarkable perseverance in the face of significant obstacles. The author demonstrates how each translation decision reflected broader questions about faith, meaning, and cultural identity.

For those interested in how spiritual wisdom travels across cultures and languages, this scholarly yet accessible work offers valuable insights into the intersection of faith, language, and cultural exchange. The book reveals how collaborative efforts between diverse communities can overcome seemingly impossible barriers to share sacred knowledge across cultural boundaries.

This 200-page exploration provides a unique window into African religious history and the power of cross-cultural spiritual collaboration.