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