People
Who they are
The Kasem, also called Kasena, live in northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso. In Ghana, they live in the Upper West and Upper East regions, around Navrongo; in Burkina Faso, near Pô, Guiaro, and Tiébélé. They speak Kasem.
In Tiébélé, the royal court’s complex of earthen houses is known for its building and painting traditions. Men build the houses, and women decorate the walls with designs that carry symbolic meaning, passing this knowledge on to younger generations through observation and practice.
Where they live
2
Countries
346K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Ghana Partially reached
|
60.3%
|
205.000 |
Burkina Faso Partially reached
|
39.7%
|
135.000 |
How they live
In southern Burkina Faso, traditional Kasena housing brings the extended family together in a circular compound, with walls connecting the buildings. Men and women have separate spaces, and each married woman has her own hut where she cooks for herself and her children. Living areas for people and animals are kept well apart. The houses have few windows to keep out the heat, and their flat roofs are used to dry produce. The walls are decorated in black, white, and red. Dancing is part of most social gatherings, and the Kasena take pride in dancing well.
What they believe
Most Kasem in Ghana and Burkina Faso follow traditional religions, and there are also Christians and Muslims. At the royal court of Tiébélé, ancestor worship is part of religious life.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Kasem
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)16.2%
Evangelicals5.8%
Needs
In Tiébélé, preserving the earthen houses is a challenge because of a lack of maintenance, rising damp, erosion, and drainage problems. Among the Kasena of Ghana, one need is to train local leaders to guide the growth of churches and develop ways to reach their own people.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the care of Tiébélé’s earthen homes and the families who live in them.
Pray for Kasena women to pass on their knowledge of painting and decoration to younger generations.
Pray for the Scriptures in Kasem to be read and studied among communities in Ghana and Burkina Faso.
Pray for Kasena Christians to stand firm among families who follow traditional religion.
Pray for the training of local leaders who will teach the Bible and support Kasena churches.
Pray for Kasem
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar