The first edition of the Sign Language Interpreters Conference, organised by the Ministry to Persons With Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost, has been held at the Pentecost Convention Centre in Gomoa-Fetteh.
The groundbreaking event, which was aimed to equip sign language interpreters, both psychologically and spiritually, took place from September 13-14, 2024. It was attended by 120 sign language interpreters.
In his opening address, Pastor Alexander Nyame (MPWDs National Coordinator), highlighted the challenges faced by the over two million Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana, according to recent statistics. He stressed the importance of Vision 2028, the church’s strategic agenda to possess the nations, which emphasises the inclusion of people with disabilities.
‘For people with hearing impairments, the only way to receive information is through sight,’ he stated, stressing the numerous barriers they encounter in a world that often makes it difficult for them to fully comprehend their surroundings.
According to him, the interpreters will return to their communities better equipped to communicate with and support individuals with hearing impairments.
The Vice-Chancellor of Pentecost University, Apostle Professor Kwabena Agyapong Kodua, on his part, called on Christians involved in specialised ministries to serve with both spiritual depth and great character.
He stressed that the gap between the current world and the world to come is vast, and Christians must bridge this gap through their service.
He highlighted the dual message of the cross of Calvary: The power to heal and the grace to care through various interventions.
‘There is enormous healing flowing from the cross,’ he said, while encouraging believers to rely on the power of Christ while embracing the grace to support those with disabilities.
Apostle Kodua encouraged the participants not to let their current situations or perceived limitations define them, but rather see these as opportunities for mutual partnerships and better outcomes.
He concluded by reminding those in ministry that they may be the only Bible that some people can ‘read’ or the only representation of Christ that others can ‘see.’
Pastor Richard Atobrah, the Pentecost Students and Associates (PENSA) Campus Pastor at the University of Education, Winneba, also called on interpreters, especially those serving in the church to embrace their role as a divine calling, stressing the vital connection between their spirituality and the effectiveness of their interpretation.
Speaking on the topic, ‘The Spiritual Life of the Interpreter,’ Pastor Atobrah described the interpreter as both the ‘voice of God’ and ‘the ear of the people.’
‘All preachers or teachers of the Bible are interpreters,’ he explained, highlighting that the interest of listeners is sustained by the interpreter’s spirituality and demeanour.
Pastor Atobrah reminded them that sign language is a form of God’s communication, pointing to how God uses signs, such as the weather and celestial bodies, to mark times and seasons.
‘The first person to sign to human beings was God,’ he noted, underlining the sacred nature of the interpreter’s work.
The Campus Pastor also reminded interpreters to take their role seriously, saying, ‘See what you are coming to do as the work of God and put on your best.’
He added: ‘See yourselves as someone God has chosen to use at this time. You are a vessel God can use.’
Other notable speakers for the conference included Pastor Reuben Awuni (National Coordinator, Deaf Ministry) who presented on ‘Understanding the Deaf Community,’ Mr Clement Sam (National Association of Sign Language Interpreters – Ghana) who covered ‘Ethics and Rules of Conduct in Interpreting’ and Mr Emmanuel Lartey (Sign Language Interpreter, CoP HQ) who discussed ‘Interpreting Techniques.’
Also present at the event were Mrs Evelyn Nyame, wife of the MPWDs Coordinator; Pastor Joshua Semador (MPWDs Northern Sector Coordinator), and Pastor Isaac Aboagye (Godokpe District).
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