THE FIRST version of the Holy Quran in Dagbani, which is expected to help Muslims seeking understanding of the Islamic teaching in its original form in a local language, has been launched in Kumasi.

Sheikh M. Baba Gbetobu, the translator, noted it was beneficial to convey Islamic messages to people in the local dialect, saying Dagbani Dagbani was either a mother-tongue or a second language for a sizeable portion of the Ghanaian population.

Translator Gbetobu as well noted that Dagbani bears linguistic semblance and similarity to many languages, spoken in both Ghana and Burkina Faso, mentioning these languages as Mamprusi, Wala, Dagaari, Frafra, Kusasi and Moshie.

According to him, with the current educational system, which emphasises on the teaching of local languages at the basic school level, the Dagbani version of the Holy Quran would provide an easy reading and understanding for JSS graduates, and hoped that it would help improve the level of illiteracy among Moslems, since Islam, acclaimed as the fastest growing religion, enjoys heavy patronage.

Sheikh Gbetobu hinted that plans were on course to translate various Islamic books into Dagbani, for a better understanding of the Holy Quran.