Features
Ghanaian migrants and wellbeing in Finland
Improving the lives of Ghanaian migrants in Finland
Today, I write something about how Ghanaian migrants living in Finland generally pursue their wellbeing.
They do so in so many ways. And today, I bring you some of these various ways in which the Ghanaian migrants make the effort to pursue and enhance their wellbeing.
Social relations or sociality is very important and should never be taken for granted. Being able to meet each other and have physical contact or face-to-face interaction is something Ghanaian migrants cherish and such opportunities are usually presented through events organised by their associations (or organisations) and even by individuals.
Ghanaian migrant associations, social lives and wellbeing
There are many Ghanaian migrant associations. These associations are formed and dedicated to how to im¬prove the social lives and wellbeing of the Ghanaian migrants in Finland.
For example, the Ghana Union Finland (GUF) is an umbrella association for Ghanaian migrants in Finland with the main aim to bring together all Ghanaian migrants resi¬dent in Finland.
It also promotes cultural activities in Finland for better intercultural and multicultural understanding among its members and help to integrate them into the Finnish society, while upholding the good image of Ghana abroad.
Belonging to such associations and participating in their social events create social relations and sociality, which greatly reduces stress and improves health.
Diaspora expertise and entrepre¬neurship
As I wrote some time ago, many Ghanaian migrants in Finland have acquired huge expertise, knowledge and resources (academically, economically, technically or technologically, etc.). They would like to get back home to establish something productive.
While many of them are gainfully employed either as paid workers in Finnish public and private sectors, others have become entrepreneurs or self-employed and have set up their own businesses either in the health ser-vices or cleaning sector, shop keeping or salon/ barbering business.
Some are engaged in the freighting business to transport goods in containers to Africa, while others own small companies and other businesses particularly in the services sector in Finland. Others are likely to have plans of establishing similar businesses back home in Ghana.
I even hear that others have plans to establish consultancy services; it could even be that some of them are already engaged in that venture.
Other potential areas
An interesting question came up on a social media platform about the Ghanaian diaspora some time ago.
The question was, how many members of the Ghanaian diaspora have established “kente,”“batakari” or other production of Ghanaian or African goods. That question was asked because the person seemed to think that Ghanaian Diasporas only delight in importation and exportation of foreign goods to achieve their self-actualisation.
While one may think this question is a cruel criticism, a deep analysis should reveal that it is rather relevant and to be appreciated as a way to draw attention to potential areas of economic opportunities for members of the Ghanaian diaspora to take advantage of.
In all, the efforts to boost the wellbeing of the Ghanaian migrants also go a long way to enhance the integration of people into the Finnish society.
Thank you!
By Perpetual Crentsil
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
News7 days agoFSD Africa, others launch Green Project Preparation Facility to unlock investment in climate infrastructure in Ghana
- News7 days ago
Merck Foundation holds 13th Africa Asia Luminary with 12 First Ladies to advance healthcare capacity across Africa and Asia
- News7 days ago
Bryan Acheampong calls for unity, urges Kennedy Agyapong to support Dr. Bawumia
