Finland’s Independence Celebrations: Lessons for Ghana

Last Saturday, December 6, 2025, Finland celebrated its 108th independence anniversary. I participated in two events as part of the celebrations. Today, I share some of the positive impressions I took home, moving away from personalities or groups in the Ghanaian community in Finland that I had previously focused on.

The first event was a pre-independence anniversary celebration on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Helsinki, known as Kiitos Suomi in Finnish (Tack Finland in Swedish, Thank You Finland in English). It was a multicultural event bringing together Finns and migrants from various countries around the world.

The second event, Multicultural Finland, similarly brought together a diverse audience. It was organised by Moniheli, a Finnish multicultural network of over 150 organisations that support immigrants, integration, and social inclusion, while promoting equality (see www.moniheli.fi).

Diversity and Inclusion

Finland upholds and promotes diversity of cultures and peoples and their inclusion in Finnish society. This was emphasised in speeches by various speakers at both events. One important point highlighted was that a multicultural society allows new ideas and knowledge to emerge.

The diverse, colourful costumes worn by people from different cultures, the dances, dishes, and other cultural artefacts reflected the values of diversity and inclusion. It created not just a visual spectacle but a melting pot of different cultures—truly a multicultural Finland.

Integration and Community Participation

Inclusion is closely linked to integration, building a sense of belonging. Finland sees migrant associations as bridge-builders for integration, helping migrants participate in decision-making and act as a representative voice, which is highly appreciated.

Migrant associations collaborate with Finnish institutions to create awareness among their members and other migrants. They enable migrants to be positively active and ensure their concerns are heard, making them an important tool for social inclusion.

A Positive Outlook on the Finnish System

Most residents, both natives and migrants, appreciate the effectiveness of Finland’s institutions. Citizens have access to various services, while NGOs and social groups, including migrant associations, provide specialised support and address social exclusion issues affecting health and other areas.

Research indicates that NGOs and social institutions advocate for community involvement in decision-making in health, education, and other sectors. For instance, migrants’ involvement in health policy requires explicit national policies implemented consistently across the country.

Finland and Ghana: Independence Anniversaries

Finland celebrates its independence on December 6, 1917, while Ghana celebrates on March 6, 1957—both dates connected by the sixth day of their respective months. I hope Ghana learns from Finland’s example in areas like forestry, technology, climate change, security, development, and governance.

Finland prioritises gender equality, granting women full political rights in 1905 and electing its first female president in 2000, Tarja Halonen. Corruption is not tolerated, and perpetrators are prosecuted without delay.

Thank you! Kiitos! Tack! On Finland’s Independence Anniversary celebration last week, these lessons serve as inspiration for Ghana.

By Perpetual Crentsil

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