In a significant move to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Bono people, the Bonoman Institute has launched the Bono Twi Project for academic pursuit. The initiative, which aims to ensure the Bono language is studied and written in schools across the Bono Region, has received strong support from key stakeholders, including religious and traditional leaders.
The Bonoman Institute, a leading advocate for the preservation of Bono culture, has taken a bold step to ensure the Bono language, also known as Bono Twi, is not only spoken but also studied and written in schools. The launch of the Bono Twi Project for academic pursuit took place at the Sunyani Technical University (STU) in Sunyani, the capital of the Bono Region, and was attended by prominent figures, including Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of Catholic Bishops Conference and Bishop of the Sunyani Catholic Diocese; Okokyeredom Sekyi Ako II, Vice President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs; Joseph Addae Akwaboa, Bono Regional Minister; Alfred Tuah Yeboah, former deputy Attorney General; Kweku Agyemang Manu, former Member of Parliament for Dormaa Central and Minister of health; Professor Kwabena Sarfo Sarfo-Kanatanka, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Cape Coast among others.
In his address as the chairman of the event, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi urged all citizens, especially the youth, to embrace and promote the Bono language.
“We must take pride in our language, for it is the foundation of our identity. The Bono language is not just a means of communication; it carries our history, values, and traditions. I urge all citizens, especially the youth, to embrace and promote our language. This initiative by the Bonoman Institute is a step in the right direction, and I commend them for their efforts.”
Delivering a speech on behalf of the special guest of honour, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr. Agyeman Badu II, the vice president of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and the Paramount Chief of Drobo Traditional Area, Okokyeredom Sekyi Ako II, called on parents teachers, and community leaders to support the initiative and ensure that children learn and use the Bono language in their daily lives.
“Our language is our heritage, and it is our responsibility to ensure it is not lost to future generations. The Bono Twi Project is a call to action for all of us to work together to preserve and promote our linguistic identity. I call on parents, teachers, and community leaders to support this initiative and ensure that our children learn and use the Bono language in their daily lives.” He emphasised.
The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, who was also present at the event, pledged the government’s support for the project. He emphasized the importance of integrating the Bono language into the educational curriculum to ensure its sustainability.
“I will work with the Bonoman Institute and other stakeholders to ensure that the Bono language is studied and written in schools across the region. This is not just about preserving our past; it is about empowering our future.” He said.
Speaking in an interview with 3News’ Claude Kumi Abisa, the initiative has been widely welcomed by residents of the Bono Region, Yaw Kyeremeh, says he sees it as a vital step towards preserving their cultural identity.
“I am very happy about this project. Our language is who we are, and it is important that our children learn it. This will help them understand their roots and take pride in their heritage.”
The launch of the Bono Twi Project marks a significant milestone in the efforts to preserve and promote the Bono language. With the support of religious, traditional, and government leaders, the initiative is set to make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the Bono Region. This is a reminder that language is not just a tool for communication but a vital part of our identity and heritage.
By: Claude Kumi Abisa-Sunyani, Bono Region.
