Emmanuel Twumasi-Ankrah - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Emmanuel Twumasi-Ankrah

PENTECOSTALISM, CHARISMATICISM AND NEO-PROPHETIC MOVEMENTS JOURNAL (PECANEP), 2025

Prophets and prophecy are not strange phenomena in most religions and communities around the worl... more Prophets and prophecy are not strange phenomena in most religions and communities around the world. Ghana's experience with the prophetic phenomena has been ambivalent and paradoxical. There have been times and places where the prophetic movement and ministry have been widely embraced. Whereas in some others, the phenomena have been criticized and called into question by many people in Ghana. The abuses perpetrated by some so-called prophets, and executions of prophetic excesses have been the main factors leading to such public outcries. It was in this vein that an attempt was made to examine the prophetic phenomena in Ghanaian Christianity, using the Old Testament as a framework. As a qualitative study, the Old Testament text and other scholarly works that reflect on the phenomena of prophets and prophecy in Ancient Israel and Ghana were reviewed. In addition, a researcher's observation on the ministrations of the so-called prophets in Ghana was done in order to gather relevant information that could facilitate the intended Old Testament-Ghanaian prophetic parallels. The paper contends that though the phenomena in the Old Testament context are somewhat nuanced, which makes theologizing quite challenging, the authors of the Old Testament corpus have provided adequate information on the prophetic phenomena that can evolve a framework for Ghanaian prophets and prophetic ministrations. This paper is relevant for scholarships in relation to Old Testament studies, prophetism, neo-prophetic, Christianity in Ghana, contextual theology, and Christian religious excesses.

Journal of Applied Science, Arts and Business (JASAB), 2025

The Asante-Twi Bible's translation of 'āḇaḏ, and šāmar, can be misleading and a source of motivat... more The Asante-Twi Bible's translation of 'āḇaḏ, and šāmar, can be misleading and a source of motivation for environmental degradation among Asante communities in Ghana. Incidentally, Ghana faces serious environmental crisis where many of her water bodies and forest cover are being destroyed due to illegal mining activities. If a misinterpretation arises out of such a translation of the biblical text, it could be considered as a stimulus for ecological misbehaviour. Was it the case of unavailability of suitable clauses in the receptor language or a choice of translational approach by the local translators? This study employed a historical-critical method and an exegetical approach, where Genesis 2:15 was contextually, textually and morphosyntactically analysed and its translations in the Asante-Twi Bible assessed. Having scrutinized ancient texts such as the Masoretic Text, Septuagint and Targum Pseudo-Jonathan and their parallel with Asante-Twi Bible regarding the text, it is argued in this paper that the Hebrew clause, 'āḇǝḏāh ūšāmǝrāh, could be suitably translated as ɔnyɔ mu adwuma na ɔnhwɛ so yie, "he should cultivate and keep it well," in the Asante-Twi. It is believed that this would advance mother-tongue theologizing regarding Christian environmental discourse among Asante-Twi readers. This study has contributed to the field of Mother-tongue Biblical Hermeneutics, Bible Translation Studies, Old Testament Exegesis, Biblical Studies and Linguistics.

E-JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (EHASS)

The translation of the Bible message from the original language to a receptor language has been ... more The translation of the Bible message from the original language to a receptor
language has been challenging due to the lack of equivalent words in the receptor
language to convey the exact meaning of the original language. This can sometimes
distort the original meaning and create ambiguity in the receptor community. In
some Akan dialects such as Asante-Twi, Akuapim-Twi, and Bono-Twi, the
translation of Genesis 1:1-3 presents recognizable translational challenges when
compared with the Masoretic Text. For instance, all the selected Akan dialects
translated the Hebrew word bereshit, “In the beginning,” as independent in relation
to other parts of the first sentence. However, this paper argued that rendering
bereshit, with no indication of the temporal dependent relationship function of the
clause within the sentence thus without any circumstantial sense, limits the meaning
of the sentence and is inconsistent with the source text. Employing grammatical and
syntactical analysis, the paper identified some translational inconsistencies in the
selected Akan mother-tongue Bibles and accordingly proposed alternative
renderings for readers.

E-JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (EHASS), 2024

Environmental destruction in Ghana appeared to be the hottest of the political issues in the run... more Environmental destruction in Ghana appeared to be the hottest of the political issues
in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections. The study sought to unravel the possible
factors militating against Ghana’s efforts in the fight against environmental
destruction. It also postulates certain intentional and coordinated activities that the
religious bodies in Ghana can undertake in contributing to salvaging the ecological
crisis. Using the qualitative method, and a purposive sampling technique, some
players in the environmental economy such as individuals, traditional leaders,
religious leaders, and government officials were interviewed. In addition, for firsthand information, efforts were made to visit some Akan communities to observe
how the people behave toward their environment. This paper argues that the
ecological narrative in Akan communities has changed chiefly because of social
conflicts, engineered by factors such as the basic needs of humans, politicization,
desacralization, materialism, economics, “development,” culture, chieftaincy,
international relations, tenancy, religion, civil action and many more. However,
Akan religious people to whom this paper has pointed fingers as part of the problem,
have what it takes to contribute to salvaging the environmental crisis in Ghana. The
paper recommends that religious bodies engage in the intensification of ecological
conversation and building ecological congregations by employing eco-pedagogy
and making investments in environmental protection ventures in Ghana.

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, Oct 14, 2023

The burgeoning trend of "aggressive prayer" in African Christianity has attracted diverse critici... more The burgeoning trend of "aggressive prayer" in African Christianity has attracted diverse criticism, as to whether or not it is practised responsibly. This work focused on the medical implications of the phenomenon of "aggressive prayer" on African Christian patrons. The study indicates that inasmuch as there could be some health benefits if this phenomenon is considered as a form of aerobics, there is a very high index proclivity of the spread of infectious and respiratory diseases and possible worsening of an already existing disease conditions of patients who participate during "aggressive prayer" sessions.

International Journal of Social Science Research and Review

The Book of Psalms stands as a timeless reservoir of poetic and spiritual expressions. Among its ... more The Book of Psalms stands as a timeless reservoir of poetic and spiritual expressions. Among its most cherished gems is Psalm 51, which is unparalleled with regards to the subject of penitence. This paper explores key theological themes contained in Psalm 51:1-12, including sin, God's lovingkindness, David's confession and his assurance of forgiveness with the aim of contributing to contemporary scholarly discourse on the subjects of sin, repentance and divine grace, among others. This is important in the contemporary society where the issue of sin does not feature prominently in Christian preaching, and where work-based salvation theology appears attractive to some Christians. The paper used the historicalcritical and exegetical approach to have a close look at the text. It examined the historical and literary context of the psalm, and sheds on the circumstances that led to its composition, particularly the events surrounding David's sin with Bathsheba. The study argues for the universality of sin, effects of sin, the need for repentance, and the need to rely on God's grace alone for salvation. In addition to contributing to Old Testament scholarship, the paper also contributes to Christian soteriology.

The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies

The idea that there is an interconnectedness between human beings and the natural environment is ... more The idea that there is an interconnectedness between human beings and the natural environment is widely held by many people across the globe. Unfortunately, this nexus has become the cause of the global problem of pandemics, climate change and greenhouse gases. The 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranked Ghana low at 39th out of 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Employing the qualitative method and phenomenological approach, some Akan environmental conservation ideas inherent in human-earth relations were analysed. The paper argues that the Akan indigenous ecological knowledge, such as taboos, observance of earth's Sabbaths, keeping of sacred forest groves and ecological proverbs and wise-sayings are viable resources to be harnessed to theologize in eco-theology and for environmental sustainability.

International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 2023

The International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 2023

The idea that there is an interconnectedness between human beings and the natural environment is ... more The idea that there is an interconnectedness between human beings and the natural environment is widely held by
many people across the globe. Unfortunately, this nexus has become the cause of the global problem of pandemics,
climate change and greenhouse gases. The 2020 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranked Ghana low at 39th
out of 46 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Employing the qualitative method and phenomenological approach,
some Akan environmental conservation ideas inherent in human-earth relations were analysed. The paper argues
that the Akan indigenous ecological knowledge, such as taboos, observance of earth's Sabbaths, keeping of sacred
forest groves and ecological proverbs and wise-sayings are viable resources to be harnessed to theologize in ecotheology and for environmental sustainability.

E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (EHASS)

One of the most global of all crises in the 21 st century is the ecological crisis. The causes id... more One of the most global of all crises in the 21 st century is the ecological crisis. The causes identified for environmental destruction from the 1960s were hinged on human attitudes. The ecological models proposed afterwards did not adequately address the human. Thus, the problem still persists. The identification and understanding of the nature of the relationship that should exist between humans and the environment has been a bone of contention. Using the Qualitative Method, eco-theological themes and analysis and semantic analysis were employed in examining the ecological theories. One idea that sprang clearly from the study is the fact that humans and the earth are to be understood as relatives (kinsmen). This paper thus affirms and recommends the idea of kinship as a Christian ecological model that would effectively address human attitudes towards the environment.

Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology

In Ghana, the Western missionaries who introduced Christianity into the country reduced some Ghan... more In Ghana, the Western missionaries who introduced Christianity into the country reduced some Ghanaian languages into written form and then translated the Bible into these languages. After the missionaries left the country, the task of Bible translation was continued by Ghanaians to make the Bible accessible to various linguistic groups in the country. Out of the numerous problems that Bible translators encounter in their work is the nonavailability of a word in the receptor languages to carry the exact meaning of a word in the source language. This and other challenges sometimes lead to obscurity in the translated text and the resulting theology. Of interest to the present paper, is the translation of Genesis 1:26-27 into Akuapem-Twi mother-tongue. As an exegetical study, the source texts were semantically and morpho-syntactically analysed and their renderings in the Akuapem-Twi Bible were compared. The philosophy behind the texts under study in the Akan/Twi Bibles could be largely, formal or literal equivalence (wordfor-word). Though in some instances in all the Twi dialects and some other instances, in one or two dialects, the translators employed the dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) approach. In each of the instances, the approach adopted has either aided or distorted the interpretation of the target text. The rendering of the text (Gen.1:26-27) in the Akuapem-Twi Bible presents deviations from the source text and should consequently be revised and reread. For instance, after a careful study of ancient (source) texts such as the Masoretic Text, Septuagint and Targum Pseudo-Jonathan and their comparison with the Akuapem-Twi Bible translation concerning Genesis 1:26-27, this paper argues that the Hebrew verb āsāh (v. 26), translated as bcc, "created" could be rendered as ycc/yjj, "made" and the pronoun, 'ōṯo (v. 27), presented as wcn, "them" should be interpreted as no, "him," in order to establish literary consistency with the source texts.

E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, 2021

This paper evaluates the place of justice in sexual interactions between males and females in Gha... more This paper evaluates the place of justice in sexual interactions between males and females in Ghana in particular and in Africa in general. It discusses the unfairness inherent in cases of rape, adultery and divorce and sexting in Ghana in light of African Biblical Hermeneutics. The study has discovered that issues of sexual injustices date back to ancient times with sexting being its latest dimension, especially in Ghana. Sexual injustices in any form have both cultural as well as religious connotations. Employing Narrative Criticism on the sexual stories of Dinah and Tamar in Genesis 34 and 2 Samuel 13 respectively, the study has established that the culture from which the Christian scripture originated was chauvinistic. Undoubtedly, one of the most integral causes is inherent in interpretation. The authors have therefore advocated for a reconstruction of those texts and worldviews by incorporating hermeneutics of inclusiveness and equality before God, using Jesus as the standard....

Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology, Oct 4, 2022

Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology (MOTBIT), 2022

Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology, 2021

This paper deals with the African reading of Psalm 24:3-6: The implications for the enforcement o... more This paper deals with the African reading of Psalm 24:3-6: The implications for the enforcement of morality among Christians in Africa. The book of Psalms is subdivided into five books comparable to the Pentateuch. Psalm 24 falls into the first book which is used as a liturgy of entrance into the Israelite temple. In Psalm 24:3-6 a worshipper asks for entry requirements to be met which are clean hands and pure hearts, not lifting up the soul to what is false, and not swearing deceitfully. The methodology used is the African perspective of readers’ response. Pastors and Christian leaders must lead the people with integrity befitting the sacredness of the hill of the Lord. Christians are the temple of God and are expected to observe ritual purity everywhere every time in order to receive blessings from God, (Onyame). Keywords: Morality, Shrine, clean hands, pure hearts, ritual purity.

The prophetic voice of the clergy in Ghana on nation-building: an exegesis on Jeremiah 1:5-10

A thesis submitted to Graduate School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi... more A thesis submitted to Graduate School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Religious Studies, 2014

Yahweh, Isreal and The Neigbouring Nations: An Analysis of the Land Redistribution

The centrality of the promis lan wa and remains the most crucial in the history of Israel. Throug... more The centrality of the promis lan wa and remains the most crucial in the history of Israel. Throughout the Torah, the land that Israel occupies was divinely given to them by Yahweh, the landowner. This theological idea of the land of Canaan instigated the spilling of blood in and around Palestine by the forces of possession and occupancy on problem on the people living around and on Yahweh himself. This paper analyzed the issue from the moral point of view and has suggested that a rethinking, re-interpretation, reconstruction of the texts containing the issue of land be done. We are solving the antagonism going on around Palestine

E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies (ERATS), 2016

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is arguably the most religious region of the world, as well as the regio... more Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is arguably the most religious region of the world, as well as the region facing the most profound difficulties in enacting an effective programme of state-building and instituting stable democratic systems.2 However, one often hears people, especially politicians reproving: “Religion should not mix with politics”.3 Even those who appear to be somewhat charitable to the Church have sometimes questioned whether or not the Clergy should adopt the approach of the so-called serial callers.4 This has resulted in the vilification of the Clergy that share their views on the governance process of the people. The paper examined the interplay between the Church and politics-how the Clergy engaged in rhetoric, in the decision-making process of the nation.

Sexting and Sexual Injustices against Women in Ghana: A Case of Biblical Narratives of Dinah And Tamar

Journal of Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics and Theology (MOTBIT) , 2021

This paper deals with the African reading of Psalm 24:3-6: The implications for the enforcement o... more This paper deals with the African reading of Psalm 24:3-6: The implications for the enforcement of morality among Christians in Africa. The book of Psalms is subdivided into five books comparable to the Pentateuch. Psalm 24 falls into the first book which is used as a liturgy of entrance into the Israelite temple. In Psalm 24:3-6 a worshipper asks for entry requirements to be met which are clean hands and pure hearts, not lifting up the soul to what is false, and not swearing deceitfully. The methodology used is the African perspective of readers' response. Pastors and Christian leaders must lead the people with integrity befitting the sacredness of the hill of the Lord. Christians are the temple of God and are expected to observe ritual purity everywhere every time in order to receive blessings from God, (Onyame).