The Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT) marked its 63rd anniversary with a special press soirée in Accra on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The event took place at the GILLBT Guesthouse in Cantonments, Accra, and brought together media organizations and stakeholders to reflect on the institute’s contributions over the past six decades.
Picture: Official logo of the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translations (GILLBT)
GILLBT has dedicated its work to translating the Bible into Ghana’s minority languages so that members of those communities can not only have access to the Word of God but also read it in their own tongue. The institute also teaches people to read and write in their languages, enabling them to engage directly with the Scriptures that have been produced. Over the years, Bibles have been translated into Kokomba, Tampulma, Frafra, Sisaali, Kasem, Gonja, and many other languages. Millions of copies have been distributed free of charge, transforming Christian worship and discipleship in local communities.
Picture: Some of the Bibles translated into local langiages
Speaking at the soirée, the Communications Manager of GILLBT, Mr. Otabil, shed light on the significant financial challenges behind the work. “Bible translation is expensive. Currently it costs $40,000 a year to run a project. The New Testament will take five years to complete and that is $200,000 for one New Testament. The Old Testament will take seven to ten years for one language. So financial resources has always been a challenge. At the end of the day the work that we are doing is to enhance worship to ensure that Christians around the country can all have the Word of God in their own language,” he said.
Organizers emphasized that the press soirée was not only a celebration but also a platform to deepen collaboration with the media and stakeholders, reaffirming GILLBT’s commitment to its mission of literacy and Bible translation. The 63rd anniversary highlighted the institute’s ongoing role in giving every Ghanaian the opportunity to encounter Scripture in their mother tongue.