John B.K. Amoah. Image Source: Ghana Broadcasting Corporation on Youtube.
In early August 2024, Ghanalingo published an article inviting readers to weigh in on the ongoing debate about translating the Ghana National Anthem into various Ghanaian languages. This discussion gained momentum following a recent television appearances by John B.K. Amoah, a renowned social commentator and researcher, who unveiled his rendition of the anthem in Fante.
John B.K. Amoah, a pioneer in the initiative to translate the Ghana National Anthem into Ghanaian languages, recently made notable appearances on two major morning television programs. On Onua TV’s “Onua Maakye,” hosted by the esteemed journalist Captain Smart, Amoah presented his Fante rendition of the anthem’s first stanza. He later appeared on GTV’s “The Breakfast Show,” hosted by Kafui Dey, where he performed the same Fante version. These appearances have caught the interest of Ghanalingo to transcribe the Fante National Anthem sung by B.K. Amoah on.
This is the transcribed Fante version of the video:
Nyame nhyira hɛn man Ghana Na yɛ hɛn man kɛse no adom na ahoɔdzen. Na akokodur a ɔdze bɔbɔ fahodzi na kyɛfa ho bambɔ afebɔɔ Fa nokwar ahobrɛadze hyɛ hɛn akoma mu. Ma yɛngye nokwardzi a sor nyim nto mu. Na ma yemfi hɛn pɛ na ahoɔdzen nyinara mu nko ntsia nkowasom afebɔɔ – 2X
During his session on Onua TV, John B.K. Amoah expressed that many Ghanaians have been reciting the national anthem from memory without fully understanding its meaning thereby singing it without any sense of patriotism. This realization motivated him to perform the anthem in Fante, making it more accessible and meaningful whilst inculcating in Ghanaians a sense of patriotism.
The Ghana national anthem and national pledge already have a history in the Fante language, as highlighted by Captain Smart, the host of Onua Maakye. During the show, he displayed an old black-and-white newspaper that featured both the anthem and the pledge, showcasing their coverage in Fante.
Ghana’s national anthem was originally composed by Philip Gbeho, with lyrics initially penned by Emmanuel Pappoe-Thompson. However, the lyrics underwent revisions by a literary committee within the office of then Head of State, Kwame Nkrumah. Are you ready to learn the National Anthem in the Fante Language? Have your say.
Author: Ebenezer Kobinah Offen
Editor: Ama Gyesiwaa Quansah
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