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Are Ghanaians romantic?
THE question has often been asked whether Ghanaians are romantic or not? The question has never been properly put, because the average Ghanaian might be a romantic legend outdoors but a total disaster indoors.
It means he can function romantically when people are looking, but under the cover of darkness and behind closed doors, he can only stumble and fall.
Indeed, in public, some people do express and even choreograph their love and affection for their partners. Immediately they get indoors, they are a changed personality. They start frowning because they cannot put up any good show.
The reverse is also true. So, the question should be properly asked with all the parameters of disaster carefully identified. And are Ghanaian men more romantic than the women?
From observation, one can identify culture as one of the limiting factors that have suppressed female romanticism. For example, when a female proposes love or even hints that she loves a man, the first impression people get is that she must be a ‘spoilt’ person.
Lesson
So, a girl in love will never allow her boyfriend to hold her hand in public. Never! And if he is foolhardy enough to kiss her, she’ll either scream to the high heavens, or simply slap him on the face to teach him a crude lesson.
You’ll think such a girl is the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary, the personification of what is pure, prim, unadulterated and adorable. It is only when you manage to get her behind closed doors that you are likely to see the real stuff she is made of.
She’d teach you the rudiments of love and romantic tit-bits you never dreamt about. She’d show you what to do and what not to do, and how to do what you should do. In the end, you’d never be the same. Check it out!
When it comes to female romanticism, there are many factors coming into play. Some Ghanaian ladies are not suited for romance because they see the world in terms of making a living rather than pandering to the pleasures of life. So, to them, to be romantic is a bother. It is a job too difficult to undertake.
They cannot even smile, let alone laugh. They see a smile as a frivolity, a laugh as the beginning of madness. What they keep thinking about is how to work for money.
Back-hand
To such persons, any suggestion of love or romance can get them poised to deliver a back-hand blow if it really comes to it. And if they ever make the mistake of getting married, the man is certain to die young. How can he cope with such a character?
When it comes to Ghanaian men, it can be worse. The problem is that the average Ghanaian man cannot give any quantitative or qualitative meaning to romance. He sees love either as a ‘head-ache’ because partners won’t stop demanding money, or as ‘sex’ because beyond it there is nothing else.
So, he enters into a relationship with a certain mindset, that is to give his lover money and demand sex in exchange. So where does romance come in? If by chance he decides to be a trifle bit romantic and gets his lover a birthday card, he is likely to get a rebuff if not a snob. “Ibi card I go chop?” the lady would ask him.
The typical Ghanaian lady wants cash and you are giving her a card. She would wonder whether you are off! Mental!
So, the men are either not encouraged by their mates to be romantic, or they themselves are not romantic by nature. They can’t see how they can buy a bar of chocolate as a surprise for their darlings.
It isn’t that they can’t afford it. They just don’t think it makes any sense. They might as well learn from Indians. Indians know exactly how to consummate a love relationship by incorporating music and dance, poetry and lyrical effort into the exercise.
All these are portrayed in their films. A boy and girl in love in India, need space and time to express that love. They can even refuse food for three days and remain on a mountain range singing and dancing for love.
The premium on romantic love is high. No wonder they have a relatively lower divorce rate. Which man in Ghana will forgo his fufu or banku for three days and go singing to a girl who is likely to break his heart in a fortnight?
Simulation
In any case, some Ghanaian men have learnt over time to be romantic, for the sake of it, and not because they think it matters. They read books and watch films and simulate from them.
Others travel and come back quite different. They even walk romantically if they happen to fall in love. That is what they’ve learnt in the cold. Certainly, it makes sense to be romantic in cold weather than in the hot African sun.
This article was first published on Saturday March 25, 2006
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TRACTION alopecia is a common form of hair loss affecting millions worldwide, particularly individuals of African descent. It is characterised by gradual hair thinning and loss, often caused by prolonged tension or pulling on hair follicles due to certain hairstyles and hair care practices.
Causes of traction alopecia
- Tight Hairstyles: Hairstyles like braids, ponytails, and wigs can cause tension on hair follicles, leading to hair loss. A study found that 98 per cent of Nigerian women experienced hair loss due to tight hairstyles.
- Hair Extensions and Weaves: Improper application and removal of hair extensions and weaves can damage hair follicles, contributing to traction alopecia.
- Chemical Hair Treatment: Harsh chemicals used in hair treatments can weaken hair, increasing the risk of breakage and hair loss.
- Poor Hair Care Practices: Excessive heat styling, inadequate moisturising, and rough handling of hair can contribute to hair loss.
Pathophysiology
Traction alopecia involves mechanical stress on hair follicles, disrupting normal hair growth cycles. Prolonged tension leads to inflammation, follicular damage, and eventual hair loss.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- Symptoms: Hair thinning, particularly along the hairline or braided areas; broken hairs; scalp tenderness.
- Diagnosis: Clinical examination and patient history assessment.
Prevention and Treatment
- Hairstyle Modifications: Opt for looser hairstyles that reduce tension on hair follicles.
- Proper Hair Care: Use gentle hair products, minimise heat styling, and moisturise hair regularly.
- Professional Guidance: Consult dermatologists or trichologists for personalised advice on managing traction alopecia.
Complications and Prognosis
Untreated traction alopecia can lead to permanent hair loss and scarring. Early intervention improves treatment outcomes.
Public Health Implications
Traction alopecia significantly impacts quality of life, particularly for individuals with cultural or social ties to certain hairstyles. Raising awareness and promoting preventive measures can reduce prevalence.
In conclusion, traction alopecia is a preventable and treatable form of hair loss. By understanding its causes, recognising symptoms early, and adopting healthier hair care practices, individuals can reduce their risk and promote hair health.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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TODAY, I focus on migrants’ digital competences and health information in Finland, a move away from the topic of personalities or groups and their accomplishments within the Ghanaian community in Finland that I have been writing on.
Worldwide, one problem faced by healthcare delivery services as well as peoples and especially patients is the provision of health information, and how patients are able to access such information.
Of late, I have been thinking about the situation of migrants or minorities in the context of their digital competences and access to health information. One can imagine the potential challenges migrants may face in accessing information, whether one looks at it as a drawback of the healthcare delivery services or the migrants’ own lack of skill.
Good Finnish healthcare services
Finland has a very good healthcare delivery system and social services accessible to all residents in the country. Information about healthcare delivery services is provided for every citizen.
Many migrants, including those in the Ghanaian community, are aware of these opportunities and are expected to take advantage of such chances. But research indicates that migrants or people with a culturally and linguistically diverse background face challenges in accessing health information.
Finnish government and health authorities have been promoting digitalisation of personal health records and aspects of healthcare services, although research has shown that some older migrants, for example, face barriers such as not having an e-ID in order to access information digitally.
Generally, patients and others need information about health, prognosis and treatment or care in order to ensure prevention or therapy for diseases, especially the chronic or life-threatening ones.
According to the World Health Organisation, chronic diseases and life-threatening illnesses are increasing worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality. In most advanced countries such as Finland, healthcare delivery services have gone highly digital in order to ensure faster and undoubtedly an effective way of rendering health care.
Almost everywhere, research and other reports have shown that there are barriers or challenges faced by migrants in the digital systems of the countries they live in. For example, according to reports in some countries in Europe, including Finland, during the COVID-19 period, some of the barriers to public health messaging were the potentially lower levels of proficiency of migrants in the host country’s (majority) language.
Migrants’ health and wellbeing are affected by many factors, including cultural ideas of health, illnesses, and the prevention, treatment and symptoms of illnesses (see www.thl.fi). It is accepted that factors to improve health and wellbeing must be supported.
Digitalisation and access to health information
I think this is the time for Ghanaian migrants in Finland to acquire digital skills or competences in order to have an optimal benefit of the healthcare services and enhance their integration into the Finnish society.
As I have mentioned already, research and other reports have also shown that migrants or minorities face challenges accessing information due to language and other barriers. For example, there are potentially lower levels of awareness, perceptions of risk, and misconceptions not addressed in public health guidance and the national response.
Knowledge about digital competence and accessing health information among minorities such as Ghanaian/African migrants should be taken seriously, especially by the migrants themselves.
Enhancing Integration
Digital competence will thus undoubtedly be a good way to enhance integration. According to the Finnish health department, health and wellbeing are an important part of the integration process.
• Digital skills is a necessity
Migrant associations may help the health authorities and formally create awareness among their members and other migrants, usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interest and concerns heard.
As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision-making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland.
The social media outlets have become an important means for disseminating information and it could be a key medium through which migrant groups or associations and other institutions could educate people.
Thank you
By Perpetual Crentsil
perpetualcrentsil@yahoo.com
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