Features
Ghanaian migrants, civic participation and inclusion in Finland
Attention on migrant inclusion is increasing at various levels in Finland and other European countries.
Participation occurs at many different levels—social, economic, political, etc.
Most migrants participate in social activities. Studies have also shown that most migrants are gainfully employed.
They may work either as paid workers or as self-employed entrepreneurs although they often have unstable or marginal positions in the Finnish labour market as cleaners, waitresses, and bouncers in pubs.
In electoral or voting participation of African migrants, for example, this has been quite low as compared with other groups in Finland. However, interest in participation is gradually increasing.
Efforts for integration and inclusion
In Finland, a number of studies have examined migrants’ lives in general. In recent years, surveys and other research studies have focused on the integration of African migrants into the Finnish society.
As scholars of migration or Diaspora studies have pointed out, migrants live their lives simultaneously across different nation-states and cultures–being both ‘here’ and ‘there’ across geographical and political boundaries.
That is, migrants make efforts to integrate into the society they live in (here, in Finland), although they also try to portray the culture of their original countries (or regions).
Civic participation and migrant associations
Reports indicate that civic participation of migrants in Finland is generally considered to be low but it has been increasing over the years, especially from the 1990s onwards.
Cooperation projects and migrants’ participation in the planning of issues concerning migrants themselves are seen as one of the efficient ways to improve the inclusion of migrants in the Finnish society.
There are forms of civic participation at the municipality level.
At the same time, migrant associations and other organisations have also been engaging in activities to help migrants to integrate into the Finnish society.
Interest in politics
The interest of African migrants in voting is increasing. Many of them are looking forward to voting in the upcoming municipal elections across the country next month.
Moreover, a number of migrants are standing as candidates in the Finnish municipal elections.
Actually, interest seems to be increasing among the main political parties in Finland to recruit migrant candidates. There are a number of African migrant candidates.
There are also a few Ghanaian migrant candidates seeking to be elected in next month’s municipal elections. This has even slightly increased compared with the picture in the 1990s.
This, undoubtedly, is a step forward. If it is a positive sign of integration and inclusion of Ghanaian/African migrants into the Finnish society, then that’s it. Thank you.
GHANA MATTERS COLUMN
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
The writer is a lecturer at the University of Helsinki, Finland
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
