Features
Ghanaian diaspora organisations in Finland
As I mentioned some time ago, there are many positive things that are happening within the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland. Great efforts are being made by certain groups or associations and individuals alike.
Today, I bring to readers some of these positive things, which I have promised to write about at points in time. Ghanaian individual migrants or groups (or their companies) are accomplishing or trying to accomplish a lot for their wellbeing in Finland. This definitely needs to be highlighted.
Therefore, in this write up I concentrate on Ghanaian groups or companies, rather than particular individuals, operating in some Finnish cities, especially in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
Ghanaian diaspora companies and opportunities
There are many personalities and institutions that have contributed to or ensured the smooth running of things for Ghanaian migrants in Finland.
A number of companies established by Ghanaian migrants/entrepreneurs living in Finland are involved in this, mostly in the greater Helsinki metropolitan area of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa.
These are usually small-scale businesses dealing in African food and artefacts (or clothing) shops, African restaurants serving African dishes, hair salons, cleaning companies, and housing apartments. Other African migrants may currently be operating or have previously owned media (including videography) or newspaper/magazine outlets, particularly in the capital city of Helsinki.
There have also been travel and tours agencies or telephone/call centres, which existed previously and were owned in collaboration with other African migrants. These are all areas that Ghanaian migrants can still explore further.
There are also many people who have used their knowledge and abilities to encourage and help improve the lives of other members of the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland in diverse ways.
They have acquired more expertise and resources (academically, economically, technically, technologically, etc.) and they try to give something back to society through imparting the knowledge to others or supporting them in other means.
Mention, for example, the area of education where a number of Ghanaian migrants are imparting knowledge through lecturing or organizing events such as seminars, workshops, exhibitions, etc.
Ghanaian traditional groups
I have previously mentioned that the Ghanaian diaspora in Finland has been growing fast and many associations representing some of the ethnic groups in Ghana have been formed. These include the Asanteman Kuo, Brong Ahafo Association, Gadangbe, Mfantseman Kuw, as well as those of Eastern Region and Nzema groups.
There is also the Ghana Union Finland (GUF) as an umbrella organisation representing the whole Ghanaian immigrant community. The Union and other organisations have been engaging in social events and other activities for the wellbeing of Ghanaian migrants as well as promoting the values and cultural heritage of Ghana.
These are demonstrated during funeral events where people mostly wear Ghanaian-style
funeral clothes made with fabrics mostly from Ghana.
The cooking and serving of “Ghanaian food” is encouraged at events organised by Ghanaian groups and individuals.
Also at such events, Ghanaian and other African drumming, songs and dancing are on display and even Finns get in the mood, while many people are attracted to the scene by the drums and other Ghanaian instruments.
Opportunities and ensuring integration
All these indicate opportunities for Ghanaian diaspora companies and individuals.
Also, Finnish companies can benefit from a healthy business and investment opportunities by Ghanaian companies or groups.
Again, as I keep pointing out, Finland encourages migrants’ participation in the planning of issues concerning the migrants themselves as one of the efficient ways to improve their inclusion.
There is an enabling environment created within the Finnish business and entrepreneurship sector. This also helps generally to integrate migrants into the host Finnish society. Thank you!
Email: perpetualcrentsil@yahoo.com
By Perpetual Crentsil
Conflict at work is more common than you might think. According to 2022 research by The Myers-Briggs Company, more than a third of the workforce reports dealing with conflict often, very often, or all the time in the workplace. The same report found that managers spend an average of four hours per week dealing with conflict, and nearly 25 per cent of people think their managers handle conflict poorly or very poorly.
Addressing a dispute might feel tense or awkward, but resolving the conflict is typically well worth it in the long run. Whether you’re trying to mediate conflict between colleagues or are directly involved, here are seven steps you can take to manage workplace conflict.
1. Don’t put it off
Facing conflict head-on is hard. However, waiting too long to address it can negatively impact your emotional well-being, focus, and the entire office environment. If you’re feeling angry, letting that emotion fester can also escalate it over time. This can make you less responsive to other points of view and make it harder to resolve the issue.
The sooner you can address the conflict, the better it will be for you, the person you disagree with, and your entire team.
2. Learn all you can about the problem
It’s important to determine the type of conflict you’re dealing with. Begin by considering the cause of the conflict. For example, ask yourself whether someone said something that upset you or if you have emotions of anger and resentment that stemmed from something that happened.
Then try to identify if it’s a task, relationship, value, or team conflict. Once you know what type of conflict it is, you can work to resolve it with specific tactics for that situation.
If you skip this step, you may waste time or escalate the situation further by trying to address issues irrelevant to the real conflict.
3. Actively listen
Listen attentively when people share their side of the story. Active listening is one of the most valuable professional skills you can possess. This type of listening involves not only hearing what the other person is saying but also listening to understand their point of view.
No matter your role in conflict, it’s easy to begin sharing your opinion with little regard for the other people involved. However, it’s important to learn about all sides of a disagreement to make well-informed decisions before drawing conclusions.
To reach a resolution, you must step back and prioritize listening over talking. Ultimately, that will encourage the other person to do the same when it’s your turn to speak. –source: betterup.com
Today, I focus on the Temple Of Praise Ministries International (TOP Church) in Helsinki, as I continue my description of personalities or institutions and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The TOP Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments that must be made known to the public. 
Some history
The Church was established in Finland in September 2016. Since its inception, it has steadily grown both spiritually and numerically, by the grace of God, as disclosed to me by Mr Matthew Anini Twumasi, the Presiding Elder of TOP’s branch in Finland. The TOP Church has other branches across Africa, Europe, and America.
The Church in Finland was founded with a vision to create a welcoming and dynamic community where people could experience God’s love and grace (see, www.topchurchfinland.org). According to Presiding Elder Matthew, the TOP Church operates within a unique environment where Christianity coexists with what is seen as a largely secular society.
Despite this, he submits, there are significant opportunities for outreach, unity, and demonstrating the love of Christ through service and community engagement.
Activities
Church services at the TOP Church are typically held on Sundays for the main worship. In addition, there are mid-week prayer sessions, Saturday prayer services, and a half-night service held on the last Friday of every month. “We also organise quarterly programs”, Elder Matthew added.
His impression of the Church so far has been positive. “It is a vibrant and welcoming community where members are committed to worship, fellowship, and supporting one another in faith”, he stated.
In sum, Elder Matthew said the Church continues to grow by God’s grace. “We remain hopeful and committed to spreading the Gospel, strengthening the faith of our members, and making a positive impact in society”, he continued.
Achievements
The TOP Church has a number of achievements and achievements. Some of the strengths include strong community bonds, cultural diversity, and deep commitment to spiritual growth.
I also remember that during the COVID-19 period, I heard that the TOP Church was one such bodies that hugely supported its members and others to cope with the situation.
According to Elder Matthew, the challenges facing the church include “adapting to cultural differences, engaging the younger generation, expanding outreach in a secular society, and securing a permanent place of worship”.
Role in the Ghanaian community in Finland
The TOP Church plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
Thus, the TOP 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.
The Church also has mechanisms in place to support its members who are bereaved as a way to commiserate with them in times of death and funerals.
The Ghanaian community has played a vital role in the growth of the Church. Their strong sense of fellowship, dedication to worship, and active participation have helped build a solid foundation and attract others to the ministry, according to Elder Matthew.
Integration
By its activities, the TOP 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.
The role of migrant associations and groups such as TOP 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!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
