It was joy and excitement as the Bulsa people welcomed their complete Bible first in Sandema in the Upper East region of Ghana and later in the capital town of Ghana – Accra on the 4 and 12 February respectively. It has taken over 40 years of perseverance and collaboration by various national and international personnel assigned to the project, as well as support from the Chiefs and people of the Bulsa area to bring this long awaited desire to reality.
In Sandema, speaking on the theme for the celebration: ‘The word of God, the best salvation gift to the Bulsas and the whole world’, Chairman for the Upper Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Emanuel Ntami indicated that the word of God could be likened to the biggest pharmacy shop. It has an antidote to all kinds of ailments. He entreated the Bulsa people to use the word of God in their mother tongue to cure the spiritual, social and economic maladies in their society. Quoting from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, he said the only disease we are permitted to transmit to others is the word of God. “Spread the word so vigorously until it causes a major pandemic” he added.
The GILLBT Executive Director Dr Paul Opoku-Mensah in his speech at the Accra dedication charged all gathered to recognize and repay the hard work and sacrifices made by various translators over a number of years to ensure the Bulsa people hear God speak their language.
In a speech read on behalf of the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Rt. Rev. Prof Cephas Omenyo who was the Special Guest of Honor at the ceremony in Accra, entreated Bulsas’ to apply the word of God they have now in their heart language for positive impact in their daily activities and communities.
Bulsa people are in the Upper East region of Ghana and speak the Buli language. In 1977, GILLBT assigned various teams of expatriate and national staff to work on aspects of the language including translation of the New Testament. The New Testament was completed and launched in 1996. About 5,000 copies were printed initially and 5 years later another 5,000 were printed which were widely distribute for use in the area. Other scriptural materials such as the audio Buli New Testament and the Jesus Film were also produced in the language around that time. The translation team continued and worked consistently with their translation consultants, Bob and Nancy Schaefer to compete work on the Old Testament in 2015. Literacy programs also went on alongside the translation work.
Among the many who have contributed to the work, special mention must be made of the following people; Ian and Claire Gray, Paul and Jean Dancy, Hans Kruger, Todd and Karla Poulter, Col and Jean Davies, Bob and Nancy Schaefer who took over as consultants to the project since 1988.
The following Ghanaian nationals from the Bulsa area need special commendation for their perseverance in the translation and literacy work on project to this level. Sampson Amoak, Collins Abagmi, Peter Wangara, Albert Adekaldu, Daniel Ayarik and many reviewers and literacy facilitators who have worked quietly behind the scenes!