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ABOUT
The Sacred Texts Movement is a community of African Scholars in conversation with the aim of studying the richness of our common religious traditions, which are expressed in texts, written, oral, visual or performed, while exploring their potential
Our Team
BIG COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE

Dedicated, passionate, and diverse - our team embodies a collective commitment to exploring the depths of Sacred Texts. Comprising scholars, visionaries, and advocates of spiritual growth, each member brings a unique perspective to our shared journey. Together, we strive to create a nurturing space for seekers and scholars alike, fostering enlightenment and unity through the wisdom of Sacred Texts.


MEET OUR ORGANIZERS (LOCAL)
Chair
Dr Godfred Nsiah
Dr. Godfred Nsiah is a Senior Lecturer with a strong background in Biblical studies, specializing in African Biblical Hermeneutics and contextual readings of the Bible. He is an active member of professional bodies such as the Society of Biblical Literature, Ghana Association of Biblical Exegetes, and UTAG. Dr. Nsiah teaches a range of courses including Introduction to Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics, Old Testament Introduction, and New Testament Interpretation. His research interests include Pentecostal Hermeneutics, intercultural readings of the Bible, and the reception of the New Testament in different contexts. Dr. Nsiah has published extensively, with works such as "Paul and mission to the gentiles: Missionary strategies and motivation," and is currently engaged in various research projects, including "The Introduction to Christianity Project" and "Suffering from the New Testament Perspective."
 
Dr Haruna Zagoon
Dr. Haruna Zagoon-Sayeed is a dedicated Lecturer with a focus on Islamic studies. Actively engaged in the academic community, he is associated with the Ghana Academy of Muslim Professionals, reflecting his commitment to professional development within his field. Dr. Zagoon-Sayeed imparts knowledge on various courses, including Islam in Ghana, Life of Muhammad, and Islam and African Culture, showcasing a diverse range of expertise. His research interests are centered around pertinent issues such as financing Muslim education through Zakat, peacebuilding among Muslims through Hajj, and the exploration of Muslim perspectives on religious diversity in Ghana. Dr. Zagoon-Sayeed has contributed significantly to the scholarly landscape through publications like "Tolerance and Peace Building: An Islamic Perspective" and a book on social re-engineering for Ghanaian Muslim youth published in 2016, highlighting his commitment to fostering understanding and positive development within the Muslim community.
 
Dr Comfort Max-Wirth
Dr. Comfort Max-Wirth is a Lecturer with a focus on religious studies and an active member of professional bodies, including the International Association for the History of Religion (IAHR), American Academy of Religion (AAR), and several others in New Zealand and Australia. She teaches courses such as "Introduction to the Study of Religion," "History of Religion in West Africa," "African Indigenous Religions and Development," and "Historical Studies of African Indigenous Religion." Her research interests include African Indigenous Religions and Development, the intersection of religion with African socio-political life, and the dynamics of rumour and politics. Dr. Max-Wirth is currently involved in research projects such as the "Re-invention of African Religious Traditions" and the "Ghanaian Attitudes and Values Study (GAVS)." She has contributed to scholarly publications, with upcoming works on topics like the political appropriation of biblical language in Ghana and Pentecostalism in Africa. Additionally, her published works encompass themes such as the public role of religion in modern Ghanaian society and major branches of Christianity.
Chair
Dr Ernestina Novieto
Dr. Ernestina Enyonam Novieto is a Senior Lecturer with extensive expertise in the field of religious studies. She is an active member of several professional bodies, including the West African Association of Theological Institutions (WAATI), Ghana Zone, and the International Association for the History of Religions. Dr. Novieto teaches a diverse range of courses such as "African Myths and Symbols," "Contemporary Women Theologies," and "Introduction to African Myths and Symbols." Her research interests include Pentecostalism, Gender and Leadership, and Phenomenology of Religions. She has contributed significantly to academic literature with publications on topics such as the intersection of faith and traditions in Pentecostal women, religion's impact on subjective well-being, and the role of religion in sustainable development in Africa. Dr. Novieto's work also explores gender-based violence and the liberation of women through pastoral caregiving in the context of Ghanaian Pentecostal/Charismatic movements.
Chair
Kwaku Boamah
Rev. Dr. Kwaku Boamah serves as a Lecturer with a focus on courses such as "Introduction to Christianity," "Pentecostalism in Ghana," and "History of the Early Church." He is an active member of the Northern American Patristic Society, reflecting his deep interest in Patristic Studies and Early Church History. Dr. Boamah's research interests encompass topics such as Minority Groups, Persecution, and Martyrdom of the Early Christians. He has contributed significantly to academic literature with publications on diverse subjects, including a comparative study of politics during the time of Jesus and Ghanaian politics, and the impact of the Old Testament scriptures in the Christian canon development. Dr. Boamah is engaged in ongoing research projects, including "The Introduction to Christianity Project," and has several articles submitted for publication, exploring themes like the Montanists and Pentecostals, theological responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the dynamics of errant members in Ghanaian Mega-Churches.
 
Dr Alexander Salakpi
Alexander G. K. Salakpi holds a Doctorate in Biblical Studies from the Catholic University of America and has pursued further studies in Religious and Archaeological Studies in Egypt and Israel. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, specializing in Biblical Studies within the Department for the Study of Religions. Salakpi has published extensively, including a book and numerous articles, focusing on topics such as social alienation in the Book of Job, COVID-19's impact on biblical interpretation, and the essence of giving the Holy Eucharist to the terminally ill. He is actively engaged in academic consultation and manuscript reviews for various journals and is a member of several professional societies both in Ghana and internationally. Salakpi's research interests encompass African Biblical Hermeneutics, Intellectual Traditions in the Old Testament, and the intersection of biblical studies with African traditional cultural practices.
Secretariat
Dr Michael Kodzo Mensah
Fr. Dr. Michael Kodzo Mensah holds a rich academic background. He is actively affiliated with prestigious professional bodies such as the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL), Pan African Association of Catholic Exegetes (PACE), Old Testament Society of South Africa (OTSSA), and the Accra Archdiocesan Catholic Priests Association (AAPA), he is deeply immersed in the scholarly community. Specializing in courses like Introduction to Christianity, Theological Anthropology, and Biblical Languages (Greek and Hebrew), Fr. Dr. Mensah imparts a comprehensive theological education. His research focus on African Biblical Hermeneutics and the Decolonial Turn, as well as the Reception of Biblical Discourse in Africa, reflects a commitment to exploring the intersection of religion, culture, and decolonization in scholarly discourse.
 
Dr Samuel Nkrumah Pobi
Dr. Samuel Kofi Boateng Nkrumah-Pobi, is a distinguished academic who specializes in Comparative Study of Religions, Oriental Religion, and Inter/Intra faith relations. He has had an active involvement in the Korean Forum for Science and Life which underscore his international engagement in academia. With research interests spanning Interreligious dialogue, East Asia Religions, Postcolonial theology, African Christianity, and Gender studies, he explores the complexities of diverse religious traditions. Currently, his research project focuses on the concept of reincarnation in African Indigenous Religion (AIR) and Hinduism, showcasing his commitment to understanding cultural and religious dynamics. Notably, Dr. Nkrumah-Pobi contributes significantly to academic discourse, exemplified by his publication on religious pluralism in Ghana, co-authored with Sandra Owusu-Afriyie, promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.


CONVENERS
Prof Itumeleng Daniel Mothoagae
 
Prof Itumeleng Daniel Mothoagae
Hulisani Ramantswana
 
Hulisani Ramantswana
Kenneth Ngwa
 
Kenneth Ngwa
Rose Mary Amenga-Etego
 
Rose Mary Amenga-Etego
Augustine Somé SJ
 
Augustine Somé SJ
Conrad Folifack
 
Conrad Folifack
Josiah Ucheawaji
 
Josiah Ucheawaji
Michel Kamanzi, SJ
 
Michel Kamanzi, SJ
MWI-MISSIO AACHEN
 
MWI-MISSIO AACHEN


INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana
Institut of Gender Studies, University of South Africa
Missio Aachen
Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jésus