The Bible Society of Ghana (BSG), in collaboration with the Swedish Mission Council (SMC), has held a grand graduation ceremony to honour 893 learners who successfully completed the fifth batch of the Esahie Literacy Project.
The event took place at the Anglican Church in Sefwi Suiano “A,” On Sunday, 18th May 2025, bringing together community members, dignitaries, project facilitators, and the graduates themselves in a day filled with joy, inspiration, and deep cultural significance.
The Esahie Literacy Project is an initiative aimed at promoting literacy in the Esahie language, one of the indigenous languages spoken in the Western North Region of Ghana.
By empowering learners with the ability to read and write in their mother tongue, the project not only fosters educational growth but also strengthens cultural identity and facilitates easier comprehension of religious texts, especially the Bible.
The ceremony was divided into two significant segments, beginning with a church service that set a solemn and uplifting tone for the day’s events. The congregation, including the graduates, joined in worship led by clergy from the Anglican Church, including Rev. Fr. Owuo Agyemang, the Head of the Anglican Church in Sefwi Suiano.
This spiritual foundation highlighted the Bible Society’s commitment to faith and literacy as inseparable pillars of community development.
Following the worship session, the formal graduation program commenced at with a warm welcome by Mr. Sebastian Chebure, the Advocacy Officer for the Bible Society of Ghana.
He introduced the esteemed guests and set the stage for the day’s celebrations. Among the dignitaries present were Nana Katakyie Kyeame Etikwa from the Wiawso Traditional Council, Mr. Joseph Arthur, a retired educationist with deep roots in the community who doubles as Headmaster of EL College Limited, representatives from the Suiano Traditional Council, Madam Afua Adjei Arthur, the BSG Regional Manager, community education assistants Mr. John Amoah from Bodi and Mr. Michael Amponsah from Juaboso.
The Chairperson of the occasion, Katakyie Kyeame Etikwa, delivered a heartfelt opening address, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to support an initiative that promotes education in the local language.
He urged all stakeholders — families, traditional authorities, and community members — to continue supporting literacy efforts, emphasizing that language is the foundation upon which all other learning is built.
The Chairperson, Katakyie Kyeame Etikwa, reinforced the cultural wisdom embedded in traditional philosophies that champion the use of indigenous languages for education and personal growth.
Mr. Joseph Arthur, Headmaster of EL College Limited, underscored the importance of literacy in the mother tongue, stating that learning to read in Esahie allows individuals to better engage with the Holy Scriptures, which are central to the spiritual life of many in the community.
On his part, Mr. John Amoah shared encouraging observations from his work with learners, noting how quickly many participants grasped reading skills and developed fluency in their native language.
Graduates of the program showcased their newfound skills in a series of demonstrations that thrilled the audience.
Lordina Boamah and Oscar Adu Nsowah presented fluent readings from the primers used in the literacy classes, displaying remarkable confidence and clarity.
Meanwhile, Freda Brenya and Beatrice Ahwoi captivated the crowd with expressive poetry recitals, highlighting not only their literacy skills but also their creative expression.
The spiritual tone was beautifully maintained by Anthony Fuakye, who read the Lord’s Prayer from the Bible in Esahie, symbolizing the core aim of the project—to deepen faith through language and literacy.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to the 893 learners who successfully completed the literacy course. Among the graduates, 414 were females, representing 55 percent of the total, reflecting the project’s inclusive approach toward empowering women through education.
Each graduate’s certificate symbolized not just academic achievement but also a commitment to lifelong learning and community development.
The Bible Society of Ghana and the SMC Project continue to play a vital role in enhancing literacy and education in the region. By focusing on mother tongue instruction, they not only preserve cultural heritage but also provide learners with the tools necessary to engage more fully in spiritual, social, and economic life.
