Features
Ghanaian migrant women in Finland and distance mothering
Recently, I wrote about how Ghanaian migrants living in Finland generally pursue their wellbeing. I outlined the many ways in which they pursue and enhance their wellbeing.
I have also been thinking about the phenomenon of Ghanaian migrant mothers here in Finland and how they are mothering their children left behind at home in Ghana.
Research indicates that in migration, family structures back in the home country usually provide a unique platform for the fulfilment of mothering responsibilities across international borders.
Strategies and resources
Ghanaian migrant mothers resort to various strategies, including how to financially support themselves and their families, both in Finland and Ghana. That is, they use resources that are available in order to fulfil their parenting responsibilities.
As I wrote some time ago, many Ghanaian migrants in Finland have acquired huge expertise, knowledge and resources (academically, economically, technically or technologically, etc.).
Many of them, like other migrants in Finland, who may have been professionals and highly educated in their original countries find themselves working as cleaners, waitresses and bouncers at restaurants and pubs, considered to be low paid jobs.
Demeaning as this may suggest, they are nevertheless happy to find a source of income in order to survive and be able to send some support to their relatives and to cater for their children in Ghana.
Guardianship and fostering
Usually, Ghanaian migrant mothers who have left their children back home in Ghana may not have to worry much about getting someone to care for the children. This is because of the culture and tendency for kin members to live in households with extended family members.
Guardianship or the fostering of young relatives is very common and shows the sharing of responsibilities and the encompassing nature of families in Ghana. Women (and also men) usually live with and are the guardians of a sister’s or brother’s child with ease, and is often done voluntarily.
Fostering is usually without much difficulty and is based on the con sent of the parents of the child. Ideally, kin members foster children in the larger family, although in some circumstances children from poor homes can be fostered by strangers.
For the Ghanaian migrant mothers in Finland who have children back home in Ghana, there is much at stake. They are actively engaged in supporting their children’s lives back home, such as meeting their needs in education, healthcare, etc.
A major say in children’s lives
Even though the children are lucky to live with relatives in Ghana, their parents abroad, particularly the mothers, have major say in the lives of the children.
I remember some time ago when a lady friend here in Helsinki requested my help to find a place in Winneba for her son who had gained admission to go to the university.
From the discussions we had, I could see she was in total control of affairs of the son. It was not only that she released the funds for the son’s fees and upkeep. She also discussed the major part of the son’s education directly with the young man.
Why children can’t join them
You may ask why mothers leave their children behind instead of taking them along.
A number of reasons have been identified. Research on African migrant mothers in some parts of Europe has shown that some mothers leave their children behind so that the children would receive culturally appropriate education in the home country.
Other mothers have no other option than to leave their children behind because they may not have been able to secure them travel permits.
Struggles and the way forward
The Ghanaian migrant mothers face struggles as they balance work, their own wellbeing and mothering from a distance.
They admit that it can put pressure on them and feelings of guilt and regret for being spatially absent from their children.
All the same, the efforts by the Ghanaian migrant mothers to ensure effective mothering of their children from a distance indicates their ability to ensure their wellbeing as well as good parenting. They are determined to push forward and achieve the best results.
Thank you!
By Perpetual Crentsil
Email: perpetualcrentsil@yahoo.com
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
