By Tilda Acorlor
The Bible Society of Ghana (BSG) has commemorated its 60th Anniversary with a solemn Thanksgiving Service at the Immanuel Cathedral of the Methodist Church, Ho Diocese. The service was held under the theme, “Revitalizing Our Bible Ministry for Greater Impact.” The event brought together representatives from various Christian denominations, traditional leaders, clergy, and members of the church community.
The thanksgiving service is a reflection of the six decades of the Bible Society ministry in Ghana and a renewed call to deepen the commitment to Bible translation, distribution, and engagement nationwide.
The Chairman of the Volta and Oti Regional Bible Society, Mr. Seth Mawutor, in his opening remarks said the Bible Society is thanking God for 60 years of the gift of the Bible. “This celebration is taking place across all 16 regions of Ghana,” he said. “Later this year, we will crown it with a National Thanksgiving Event. If you are here this morning, you are here to thank the Lord for His faithfulness and for the gift of the Bible.”
The guest preacher Moderator of the General Assembly of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, Rev. Dr. Lt. Col. Bliss Divine Kofi Agbeko (Rtd.), who delivered the sermon said the foundational role of the Bible is shaping lives and societies. “The Bible is a tool you can use to construct and reconstruct life and people,” he said.
“It has been key in our formation as believers. It’s essential that we continue to use it as a guiding tool for our beliefs, practices, and everyday living.” He added.
He also encouraged believers to prioritize the use of physical Bibles, warning against overdependence on digital versions. “While digitalization has its benefits, there is something deeply personal and impactful about owning and reading a hard copy of the Bible.” He added.
Representing the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Ghana, the Very Rev. Dr. John Kwesi Addo Jnr., the Head of Programmes, Rev. Ps. Samuel Affel, recounted the Society’s humble beginnings and notable achievements.
He gave an account of the generous donation of the Bible House in Accra by the British and Foreign Bible Societies in 1965 and the official inauguration of the Bible Society of Ghana on February 19, 1967, at the Black Star Square. “That moment symbolized a unified desire among Ghanaian churches to take ownership of Bible translation and distribution,” he said. Rev. Affel praised the many individuals who have dedicated their time, talent, and resources to the mission.
He also shared key accomplishments, including the translation and revision of the full Bible into 11 major Ghanaian languages, with ongoing work to reach even more communities.
He noted that BSG’s impact goes beyond Bible distribution, pointing to initiatives like the Next Generation Mentorship Program, support for persons with visual impairments, and trauma healing programs, all aimed at bringing the transformative message of Scripture to all.
The service also featured goodwill messages from a cross-section of churches and ministries, including representatives from the Assemblies of God (Volta Region), Christ Apostolic Church (Ho Area), the Catholic Church, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and other denominations who commended the Bible Society for its continued dedication to making the Word of God accessible and relevant in today’s world.
The Paramount Queen Mother of Ho-Dome, Mamaga Attato II called on the Bible Society to extend its outreach to the marginalized communities, particularly the young people in the ghetto. “We have a lot of ghettos in Ghana now. The question is how many of them can read and understand the Bible?” she asked. “I want them to have the message and be able to make a choice between their health and heaven.” Mama Attrato said.
The National Clergy Association of the Volta Region and the International Union of Ministers, whose representatives were present to show solidarity with BSG’s mission supported the celebration with an undisclosed amount.
