Introduction / History

Their name was changed from Bauole to Chokossi by the Gonja people when they arrived from Côte d'Ivoire. Chokossi means go around something in Twi. It is believed that when the small group of Bauole people arrived from Cote d 'Ivoire they settled with the Gonja people who were then fighting a war with the other Guan speaking people, since the newly arrived Bauoles were warriors, they went around every single village to attack their enemies and subsequently ended up defeating the enemies of the Gonja. After they helped the Gonja to regain their lands, they congratulated them and gave them the name Chokossi, meaning “the Bauoles go around villages before they attack.” From that point the Gonja began calling them Chokossi. In the Chokossi language "Bauole" means "Ba ni awu" or, "the child has died" in English. An example of a phrase from the Chokossi language is "Nyamien Kpile Dafiman." It means "the greatest God doesn't sleep."

Today, most live in Cote d’Ivoire and nearby Ghana. A surprisingly large number live in Italy and Canada.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In 2014, there was a large influx of Ivorians coming to Italy. They were fleeing poverty and a poor economy.

Baule society is surprisingly egalitarian. Some have more power than others, but everyone has a say in decisions, even those with little power or status. This helps them fit in well with egalitarian Western cultures.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though traditional African religion is still present, there is a strong Bible-believing community for the Baules in each of the four countries where they reside.

What Are Their Needs?

The Baules and other peoples of West Africa need clean, potable water. Most need more medical facilities.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Baule families and churches, drawing them into a close, joyful relationship with Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to raise up some to be his ambassadors to those who lack the abundant life Christ offers.
Pray for all their physical and spiritual needs to be met in abundance.

Scripture Prayers for the Baule in Italy.

References

Godwin Nguessan Lelar
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/baule.html#:~:text=The%20Baule%20or%20Baoul%C3%A9%20are%20an%20Akan%20people,the%20Kwa%20branch%20of%20the%20Niger-Congo%20language%20family.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_emigra