Features
Bring smiles on the faces of Ghanaians, Black Stars
Andre Dede Ayew
Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had a strong and firm caution to the 35-year old striker of the Uruguay national team, Luis Suarez, who prevented the Black Stars, the Ghanaian national football team from advancing to the semi- final stage of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. In the 2010 World Cup, Ghana progressed beyond the group stages to reach the quarter- finals only to be eliminated by Uruguay in such a bizarre circumstance.The game itself, ended in a 1-1 draw, after which Ghana was eliminated on penalties by Uruguay.
LUIS SUAREZ’S HANDBALL AGAINST GHANA
It was Luis Suarez’s handball against Ghana which prevented the ball from entering their own goal post after the ball had “beaten” the goalkeeper, and that denied Ghana the chance to advance to the semi-final stages of the World Cup tournament in 2010.The resultant penalty was painfully missed by the Ghanaian captain and striker, Asamoah Gyan. That crucial penalty missed, which otherwise could have sent the Black Stars to the semi- finals, drew a lot of criticisms on Asamoah Gyan from a section of the Ghanaian public.
Reminiscing that painful experience when President Akufo-Addo received the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, sponsored by the Coca Cola International at the Jubilee House in Accra on Saturday night of September 3, 2022, the elated President did not mince words when he said that, Ghana had to wait for 12 years for a revenge against Uruguay and, “we assure them that this time, the hand of Suarez will not save them against the Black Stars of Ghana. They are going down”.
PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO’S WORLD CUP PREDICTION
The President whose speech was delivered on his behalf by his Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, during a two-day of events in Ghana to signify the arrival of the World Cup trophy on Ghanaian soil said Ghana would be the first country to lift the FIFA World Cup in Qatar this year. Hear the President; “I am of the firm confidence that Ghana will not take part in the competition but also to make the entire nation and, therefore, the African continent proud with superb performance. I therefore, want to urge all Ghanaians to throng to the Accra Polo Court to view the trophy and be part of history, before we finally bring the cup home on December 18, 2022. We, who were the first to gain our freedom and independence from colonial rule, will be the first to bring the World Cup to Africa”.
GHANA’S OPPONENTS IN THE WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT
According to the tournament fixtures, the Black Stars will begin its first match against Portugal on November 24, 2022, at Stadium 974 in Doha. Four days later, Ghana will return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. The team will then wrap up its group stage adventure with its much- anticipated encounter with Uruguay at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
Ghana has so far tasted the World Cup tournament three times being 2006, 2010 and 2014, and this year’s event will be its fourth time. Nigeria, Ghana’s next door neighbour through which Ghana won its qualification to the 2022 edition of the tournament has participated in the tournament six times. Cameroon and Ghana, are the African teams to have gone the farthest at the World Cup tournament, reaching the quarter-final stages.
ARRIVAL OF COCA COLA WORLD CUP TROPHY IN GHANA
Indeed, the arrival of the 18 karat pure gold trophy in Ghana has heightened the World Cup tournament fever in the country as it has given football fans the chance to experience the coveted prize as it makes its way to all the 32 FIFA World Cup qualifying nations for the first time.The majority of Ghanaians both old and young and toddlers came from near and afar, to have a feel of the trophy and took pictures with the golden cup as it was displayed at the Accra Polo Court for public viewing.
The Coca Cola International has had a long-standing relationship with FIFA since 1976 and has been an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup tournament since 1978. The company has advertised at every FIFA World Cup tournament stadia since 1950 and is a long- time supporter of football at all levels. This is the fifth time that the company and FIFA have come together to bring the World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca Cola to the world.
PROVIDING RESOURCES FOR BLACK STARS’ PREPARATIONS
With barely two months to this world soccer fiesta knocking on our doors, it is very necessary and important for us as a nation to commit all the resources needed to prepare a formidable team to represent and fly high the flag of Ghana in far-away Qatar. We should leave no stone unturned to raise the needed funds and logistics to support this important tournament which is aimed at uniting the entire world. Football is the greatest passion of almost every nation across the globe, because it serves as a unifying weapon to countries worldwide. Once Ghana has earned its qualification to the tournament through the hard way, it is incumbent on the government to commit the needed resources through sponsorship initiatives as well as making it flexible for companies which are anxious to sponsor the programme to come on board with various tax rebates.
The President is upbeat about Ghana winning the trophy which can be possible because the country is also blessed with an array of talented and skillful players who are recognised internationally in global soccer tournaments because of their association with major teams in the world. Our coaches, led by hard working and indefatigable Otto Addo, who himself had played for Ghana before and knows what it takes to win matches, are ever ready to build and shape the team to participate fully in this great FIFA World Cup tournament in mid- November.
GHANA-BRAZIL FRIENDSHIP GAME IS COMMENDABLE
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the coaches’ decision to play friendly matches with some of the top class football nations, such as almighty Brazil who for now have no challenger in world soccer, is the greatest decision ever taken to prepare our team against all odds as we face teams like Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay, who are all difficult and dangerous to handle. Brazil has been a difficult nut to crack anytime Ghana had played with them and, therefore, playing a friendly match with them prior to the start of the tournament is a step in the right direction and we need to commend those behind the arrangement.
For now, all that Ghanaians are clamouring for, is for the coaches to monitor and begin their training with the young players, especially those with dual nationalities who have switched nationalities to play for Ghana because of the love they have for this country. Looking at the number of players we have at the moment and their subsequent performances globally, it would be very difficult and hectic for the coaches to select and form their team. There should not be any room for half-fit players since the game depends on excessive energy. However, we have to give our coaches the benefit of the doubt; they are in charge and know what they will be looking for as far as the selection of players is concerned. The buck stops with Coach Otto Addo to select the best out of the lot; he takes responsibility for his own action and inaction and, therefore, must be left to do his own thing.
MEDIA ROLE IN THE WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT
As we wait for the team to be finally constituted by our head coach and his assistants, it is important for the Ghanaian media, especially, radio and television to be supported with funds and logistics to start playing jingles as well as organising programmes for the various national supporters’ unions just as it was done in 2010 when we participated in the World Cup in South Africa, to heighten the fever in the country.
This is the time to change the general mood of this country in which the people are confronted with severe economic hardship by using this global football fiesta on the world most prestigious calendar to at least bring relief and happiness to Ghanaians.
By Charles Neequaye
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
0277753946/0248933366
Today, I focus on the Apostolic Church International in Finland, as I continue with my description of institutions and personalities and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The Apostolic Church International, Finland (or, Apostolic International Association Ry) was established in October 9, 2023. The Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments within the short time that it has been established in Finland, which must be highlighted.
History of the Church in Ghana
The Apostolic Church Ghana originated from the 1904–1905 Welsh revival, officially established in Ghana (then called Gold Coast) in 1935 following connections between a local prayer group in Asamankese (a town in southern Ghana), led by Peter Newman Anim, and the Apostolic Church, UK. There were historical splits in 1939 and 1953, but the Apostolic Church attained autonomy in 1985.
Today, the Church is headquartered in Accra. Last year (2025), it dedicated its new 10-storey headquarters, “The Apostolic Church Tower,” in Frafraha, Adenta West in Accra.
Activities of the Apostolic Church in Finland
The Apostolic Church in Finland conducts church service on Sundays. The service starts at 11a.m. in the morning and closes by 1 p.m. in the afternoon. There are no other activities during other days for now.
The Minister in charge of the church in Finland is also the Area Head of Italy Area. He is Pastor Daniel Kofi Addison who is the new Italy Area Head, and has just been transferred from UK South Area to Italy Area during the just-ended Council Meeting in March this year. Italy Area comprises Italy, which has 13 Assemblies, Germany, one Assembly, and Finland, one Assembly.
Elder Ebenezer Amoaning-Coffie is the Presiding Elder in charge of the Assembly in Finland. A Presiding Elder is responsible for day to day activities of the church (Assembly) and reports to the District Pastor, or in the absence of the District Pastor, reports to the Area Head.
Achievements
The Apostolic Church International, Finland was officially registered under the Finnish Law, guaranteeing freedom of worship and providing legal foundation for future growth. The church service is conducted in both English and Twi.
The church opens its doors to all people of every nation, especially Ghanaians who are in Finland and other African nationals. Now, the membership comprises Ghanaians, Nigerians and Sierra Leoneans.
The Church and the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland
The Apostolic Church in Finland plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
Thus, the Apostolic Church is a religious body for Ghanaian migrants in Finland and other nationalities who want to worship with them for diversity and better intercultural and multicultural understanding.
Elder Amoaning-Coffie said that the main and primary aim of the church is to bring people closer to God. “We aim to win souls for Christ. We aim to preach the gospel to the world. By propagating the gospel to the people, we are hopeful that they will turn away from any ungodly ways and be good individuals in the community and in society in general”, he stated.
He said that everything is going well so far. A key challenge, however, is how to get more members especially the youth. As a new Assembly, we are in need of instrumentalists, for example. We pray to God Almighty to help us do His work, the Elder disclosed.
Integration
By its activities, the Apostolic Church is helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society. This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process in Finland.
As I mentioned some time ago, the role of migrant associations and groups such as the Apostolic Church 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. Thank you!
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
The landscape of the Ghanaian palate is shifting, and not necessarily for the better. In our bustling urban centres, from the streets of Accra to the suburbs of Kumasi, a quiet culinary revolution is taking place; one where the mortar and pestle are being replaced by the pizza oven and the deep fryer. This transition from traditional staple foods like fufu, banku, akple, kenkey, tuo zaafi, and ampesi toward “continental” dishes is more than just a change in appetite; it is a reflection of a deeper social struggle with identity and prestige.
The illusion of modernity
For many, “stepping out” for a meal has become synonymous with consuming foreign cuisine. There is an unspoken social hierarchy where a bowl of Abunuabunu is relegated to the village category, while burgers, pizzas are branded as prestigious choices. We have reached a stage where we equate foreign with modern and local with primitive.
This perception is a dangerous illusion. Our traditional dishes are marvels of culinary engineering complex, nutrient-dense, and deeply rooted in our history. When we choose a processed foreign import over a meal made from local tubers or fermented maize, we are not just changing our lunch; we are eroding the indigenous knowledge attached to our local ingredients and foods.
We need to turn the consumption of indigenous grains and tubers like millet, sorghum, and plantain into a statement of self-worth and national pride.
The cultural and health erosion
Every time a local dish disappears from a restaurant menu to make room for foreign fast food, we lose a piece of our cultural fabric. Traditional Ghanaian cooking is an art that requires patience and skill. By choosing the convenience of foreign fast food, we are raising a generation that may know the taste of a pepperoni pizza but cannot identify the rich, earthy profile of Prekese or the subtle tang of well-fermented dough dishes like corn porridge, banku, etew, abolo, agidi or kamfa, and kenkey.
Furthermore, we are at the crossroads of a nutrition transition. Replacing high-fiber, indigenous crops with calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foreign fast foods is driving a rise in lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and liver disease. We are trading our longevity for 15-minutes convenience or unhealthy diet.
A call for culinary patriotism
It is time for us to appreciate, preserve, and promote our indigenous foods and culinary traditions. We need to be proud of our local dishes, ingredients and cooking methods, rather than relying heavily on foreign or imported foods. We must stop viewing our local delicacies as low-class and start treating our culinary heritage as the high-end gastronomy it truly is.
True sophistication does not come from imitating Western fast food; it comes from innovation and adding values to our own resources. We see glimpses of this potential in the rise of branded Sobolo and the creative use of gluten-free plantain flour in modern baking of flour-based dishes such as bread, cakes, biscuits and others. This is the path forward. We must elevate our local dishes, making them as accessible, affordable, presentable and trendy as any foreign alternative.
To the hospitality industry: Innovate or stagnate
Our hotels and high-end restaurants must lead the charge. They must stop relegating local dishes to the “traditional corner” of the buffet, and apply the same culinary finesse given to imported dishes to our Fante Fante, apapransa, aborbi tadi, fetritoto, akple, abolo, yakayeke, fufu, ampesi, kokonte, wasawasa, tubani, apapransa, mpotompoto, kelewele, aliha, brukutu, pito, and other local dishes. The industry must enhance customer experiences making eating local dishes the ultimate luxury experience for both tourists and residents alike. We must elevate the presentation of our foods by using modern plating techniques to show that a bowl of light soup can be as visually stunning as a French consommé. We need to reclaim our Ghanaian plate before it is too late.
To the policy makers: Let us encourage buying of local ingredients to promote the local food industry and economy. There should be educational programmes and talks about the nutritional and cultural benefits of local foods so that people understand their value.
We need to encourage serving traditional dishes at school programmes, parties, and celebrations instead of only fast foods,
To the Youth: Let us value and appreciate our traditional dishes instead of always choosing foreign foods. There must be balance in our choice of local and foreign dishes. Confidence in our culture encourages others to respect it too. Our local dishes can also be promoted by sharing pictures, recipes, and videos on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp to make them attractive and trendy.
Young citizens must learn from their parents and elders how to prepare local meals to keep the knowledge and cultural relevance alive. Local dishes can be modernised to appeal to younger generations and tourists.
Conclusion
We cannot afford to trade our heritage for foreign cuisines which are gaining grounds across the country at an alarming rate. We must disabuse our minds of the perception that anything foreign or imported is better than those locally made. Our health, economy, and identity are tied to the soil. It is time to stop apologising for our local flavours and start celebrating them. It is possible to embrace modernity without losing ourselves and our cultural identity. Let us make the Ghanaian kitchen the heart of our modern identity once again.
By: Marilyn Gadogbe
