About the role

Akan is one of the main languages of Ghana. Many UK Akan speakers use Asante Twi, while others use Akuapem Twi or Fante, which differ in pronunciation and vocabulary. Many Ghanaian clients also speak English, but prefer Akan for complex medical, legal or emotional matters.

Requests include GP and hospital care, mental health services, family courts, immigration solicitors and police interviews. Written translation is less common but does arise, using the Akan Latin alphabet.

What you will do

Interpret for Asante Twi, Akuapem Twi and Fante speakers, confirming the client's preferred variety.
Translate written material into Akan when requested, following standard Akan orthography.
Interpret accurately and impartially, following the professional code of conduct and keeping all information confidential.
Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments, particularly for medical and legal bookings.
Translate and proofread documents carefully, querying unclear source text rather than guessing.
Attend video and telephone assignments from a quiet, private space with a reliable connection.
Transcribe and translate audio and video recordings, such as interviews and calls, if you have the skills for transcription work.

What we are looking for

Native or near-native fluency in Akan and English, spoken and written.
A recognised interpreting or translation qualification, such as the DPSI or DPI, or equivalent experience. Membership of CIOL, ITI or NRPSI is welcome but not required.
Fluency in Asante Twi, Akuapem Twi or Fante (please state which); Ga or Ewe is an advantage.
A current DBS check, or willingness to obtain one, for assignments that require it.
The right to work in the UK for on-site UK assignments.
A dependable internet connection and a confidential space for remote interpreting.

What we offer

Flexible freelance work that fits around your schedule.
A mix of remote (video and telephone) and on-site assignments.
Fair pay for your expertise and time.
Professional development to keep your skills current.
A supportive operations team to help with bookings and questions.
Varied work across sectors, from healthcare and law to government and business.

Akan work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Akan linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Akan:

Akan interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
Akan translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Akan translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Akan transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

Do Twi and Fante interpreters both apply here?

Yes. Both are varieties of Akan. Please list every variety you speak fluently so we can match you correctly.

Do I need the DPSI to apply?

No. The DPSI or a similar qualification is welcome, and some clients require it for legal or police work, but it is not mandatory for every assignment.

Apply for this role

Freelance Akan (Twi) Interpreter and Translator