Don't use the Bible to deceive and cheat - Asantehene

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has advised against strange biblical interpretations and teachings, made ostensibly to mislead and take advantage of unsuspecting people in the society.

The situation where some pastors distort and give all manner of interpretations to the scriptures to dupe ignorant followers need to end, he said, adding that the confusing messages are clearly unhelpful to the image of the religion.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said this when he received a copy of the Bible (New Testament Version) that has been translated into Asante-Twi at his Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The 549-paged Bible is a joint product by the Catholic Church and a Russian Businessman, Sergei Iuschenko.

The translation is to help make the Holy Book more readable and easily understandable to Twi-speaking people in the country.

The Asantehene said the Bible must be interpreted without creating any ambiguity in the minds of people – for edification and enlightenment.

He praised the Catholic Church for the bold efforts to blend its way of worship with traditional culture and recommended that other churches followed their example.

The Most Reverend Peter Akwasi Sarpong, Emeritus Metropolitan Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, praised the “Bible Translation Committee” for the good job done and expressed confidence that it would help many to have a deeper understanding of the Bible and help transform their lives.

Mr Iuschenko said about 5,000 of the translated Bible had been produced for free distribution to students, adding that there are plans for Ewe and Ga language translations too.