Features
Jobless thousands in Sikaman – Final part
I MY former classmate, Kofi Owuo, alias ‘Death By Poverty’ told me last week that it is a sin to be unemployed in Sikaman.
According to him, every unemployed or redeployed person, whether he is a born-again or not, is a potential suspect when it comes to cases involving missing fowls, disappeared cats and monies that cannot be found where they are supposed to be.
Unfortunately still, the unemployed are regarded as sinful because they are perceived as lazy people who do not want to work, moreso when the Holy Bible is against sloth.
The unemployed are never free from suspicion. It is always predicted that sooner or later he’d impregnate a JSS school-girl and attempt to abort, or deny responsibility, or both.
And no one is keen on inviting an unemployed person to an outdooring, birthday party or wedding. The fear is that with a virtually empty stomach, he’d vent his spleen on the food and devour with all his might, drink to his utmost satisfaction and quietly sneak out without offering a little donation.
Indeed the unemployed person is perceived to be very dangerous person with a long throat and an elastic stomach that can do wonders during outdoorings. He must be kept at bay.
Everyone really forgets that it is no fault of his that he remains jobless. Fact is that it is a taboo to find ready employment in Sikaman.
As I suggested last week, it is only in heaven that getting employed is not a problem. But heaven is quite distant from here. Even born-agains who speak in Swahili and Hebrew simultaneously can only get there after they die. So the problem lies here and must be solved here.
Today, jobs are so scarce that one needs a power- torchlight to find wherever they are hiding. Many well-qualified graduates have no say but to accept jobs as bank clerks which normally is taken by O’ level certificate holders or even those with GCE passes.
But that is better than being a graduate ‘house-wife’. At least such a graduate would not chew stones, neither will he munch grass. But he can’t look after his ageing mother after settling all the bills, has got a cocoa farm, he could go and mortgage it and then he can get some cash and marry.
Graduates who are lucky to get jobs as clerks are better off. There are hundreds of jobless others with equally good qualifications who cannot get employed even as bank messengers. No vacancy, mister!
So many of them have to stoop low, going from one rich man’s house to another soliciting part-time jobs to teach their preparatory school children for a fee. In Tema, this is termed COACHING. Even here, the competition is great because teachers are also all out to get such jobs to supplement their incomes.
Still, are the luckless ones who have nothing doing apart from being always busy writing applications to private companies and public organisations.
The reply to such an application is normally enclosed in beautiful envelop spelling hope of success.
The applicant, however, opens the envelope with trembling hands, fumbling with everything. Awkwardly, he manages to extract the letter, hurriedly opens it to read the good news.
And the good news is this “….. Thank you for showing keen interest in our company…… Sorry, all vacancies are filled….. Wish you luck else-where……. “
When the applicant, however, writes in response to an advert in the dailies, the chances are that he’d be called to an interview. That day he dons his X’mas dress, wears a new haircut (not punk), borrows a decent shoe from a friend and attends the interview with the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23 on his lips. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…
No one should blame him! He has attended over nine such interviews and none had proved successful. Perhaps on those previous occasions he had forgotten to say the Lord’s prayer, so why be silly enough to forget it this time!
Although he goes for the interview with confidence he is still at a disadvantage. He recalls that the advertiser had been deliberately cruel: “Young graduates wanted as management trainees…… Age limit 26”.
But the applicant is 29 because he completed university at 25, did a year of national service and thereafter became jobless for three years. So, he is automatically disqualified age-wise.
The advertiser may have requested something like this: “Wanted for immediate employment….. Applicants must have not less than five years practical experience.
When it comes to responding to such an advert, the disillusioned applicant would have to be bold enough to state, “Sir, I have five years practical experience in sleeping and snoring at home….. I hope my application would be granted favourable consideration…..Signed!
Anyhow, he is still called to attend an interview. But in most cases he must be smart enough to understand the procedure before-hand. You don’t have to be ‘too-know’.
Understanding the procedure can be a complex issue. But in its simplest terms, you only have to trace the home of one panel member and hand him a fat envelope. That settles it.
So on the D-day, the interview becomes a mere formality, successful candidates are determined long before the interview commences.
With girl applicants, the procedure often becomes different in format, if the boss is unscrupulous. She may not need to attend a panel interview after all. The interview can be held quietly in a hotel room with the boss, while the secretary types out the appointment letter.
Born-again female applicants do not yield to such unorthodox procedure and they cry out to Jesus Christ and Elijah to intercede on their behalf. Sikaman is really a tough ground for school leavers.
At least 3,000 graduates are eligible for employment every year after national service. At least 1,000 do not get employed and half of this number are forced to leave the country to Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe or Germany which is better pronounced as JAAMANI, where they slug it out the hard way.
The other half languish in the capital employed writing applications after application. Each year their number increases in geometric progression.
And I predict that it would soon come to a time when frustrated graduates will start doing what they are not supposed to be doing – for instance joining the ‘stowaway’ gang.
That would not be all. I wouldn’t also be surprise if some die-hards among them start enlisting as armed robbers. In a situation of destitution and acute frustration, anything can happen, even the seemingly undreamt of. The devil finds work for the idle mind.
And don’t forget, man must eat every day, buy clothes to cover his nakedness, pay the bills, get married and have children. They are not supposed to be breathing down the necks of their ageing parents for food thrice daily.
A radical solution must be found to this problem of joblessness. And the saddest part is that while everyone is overly concerned about the plight of workers, nobody is seriously concerned about the plight of the jobless. At least workers have some- thing to live on. The jobless have nothing at all. See the difference?
Admittedly, certain attempts have been made to make available job opportunities. For instance the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) is doing its best to train and equip certain categories of the unemployed and redeployed. But how many of them can they take on in a year? The programme must be expanded.
The National Mobilization Programme has done creditably in the rural areas. In the cities, they have not tackled the problem at all. There is more room for improvement.
As we are all prepared to enter into a new political era, let’s also think about creating a new era for the jobless thousands living in abject destitution. It is only then that they can actively participate in the evolving democratic process.
This article was first published on May 11, 1991
ALL these forms of responsibility are sustained by one central pillar: spiritual and moral discipline. Without it, knowledge becomes pride, power becomes oppression, and freedom becomes chaos.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhari, Hadith 6114)
This control taqwā is the root of responsibility. Imam Al-Ghazali (1105) in Ihya Ulum al-Din wrote that the purification of the soul (tazkiyah al-nafs) is the foundation of all reform. A responsible man disciplines his desires, guards his words, and acts with sincerity, even when no one is watching.
We live in an era of temptation — social media, materialism, and moral relativism challenge our values. But men of faith must rise above these influences and remember that Allah is Al-Raqīb — the Ever-Watchful. Spiritual accountability anchors moral behaviour.
8. Emotional and psychological responsibility
Responsibility also includes taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being. Many men suffer silently under the burden of expectation — believing that showing emotion is weakness.
Yet, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم shed tears, expressed compassion, and sought counsel.
Psychologist Aaron Beck (1976) in Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders emphasised that emotional maturity begins with self-awareness, recognising one’s feelings, and managing them constructively.
Group counselling sessions like this are essential; they help men share, heal, and grow together. No man should walk alone; strength is not isolation, but the courage to seek support. Let us normalise counselling, mentorship, and brotherhood among men. For in unity, we find healing; in shared wisdom, we find growth.
9. The five questions of accountability
The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The feet of the son of Adam shall not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about five things:
- His life — how he lived it;
- His youth — how he used it;
- His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it;
- His knowledge — how he acted upon it.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2416; also reported in al-Darimi)
This hadith captures the essence of personal accountability — the cornerstone of responsibility in Islam. It reminds every believer that every blessing carries a duty, and every stage of life demands conscious action.
Let’s break it down:
- “His life — how he lived it”
Life is a divine trust (amānah). A responsible man lives with purpose, not pleasure as his goal. He invests his time in doing good, serving others, and seeking Allah’s pleasure. - “His youth — how he used it”
Youth is the most energetic and creative phase — and thus the most accountable. As Ibn al-Qayyim noted in Madarij al-Salikin, “The strength of youth is a blessing, and blessings invite responsibility.” Men must use their youth to build character, gain knowledge, and resist destructive habits. - “His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it”
Financial integrity is a key part of manhood. Islam demands transparency, fairness, and generosity. The Qur’an warns against wastefulness: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.” (Qur’an 17:27) A responsible man earns lawfully, gives in charity, and spends wisely. - “His knowledge — how he acted upon it”
Knowledge is meaningless if not practiced. Imam Al-Ghazali wrote that knowledge without action is a burden, not a blessing. A responsible man translates his learning into character, leadership, and service.
This Hadith teaches that responsibility in Islam is total and it covers time, energy, wealth, and knowledge. It’s not only about what we achieve, but how we live, how we give, and how we grow.
10. Summary
Responsibility, therefore, is not a single act but a lifestyle — one that touches every sphere of life:
- Educational responsibility empowers us to think and serve.
- Marital and family responsibility keeps our homes strong.
- Environmental responsibility safeguards our future.
- Civic responsibility builds our nation.
- Moral and spiritual responsibility sustains our integrity.
- Emotional responsibility maintains our well-being.
A responsible man is thus an educated mind, a loving heart, a disciplined spirit, and a servant leader. He is not perfect, but he is purposeful.
11. Conclusion
My brothers, as we look toward the future, let us remember the divine reminder:
“The believers, men and women, are protectors of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” (Qur’an 9:71)
Our communities are counting on us — our sisters, mothers, and children look to us for leadership and example. Let us not disappoint them. When we build responsible men today, we build a Ghana that is peaceful, prosperous, and principled.
Let us be men of knowledge and humility, strength and compassion, faith and fairness. And may Allah grant us the wisdom to lead ourselves before we lead others. Āmīn.
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katmanso Municipal Chief Imam, governance expert and certified counselor.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
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Today, I focus on Ghanaian/African migrants in Finland and their mental health. Mental health is an important subject and a huge problem in the world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realise their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.
Studies have shown that maternal and paternal distress are associated with reduced linear growth of their children. I recently participated in a seminar on mental health among (African) migrants in Finland. We all wondered about the prevalence or incidence of mental illness among migrants in Finland. It will be interesting to know the statistics about mental illness among migrants in Finland.
Mental health in Finland
In Finland, studies have examined how behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress. A correlation is shown between parent and infant psychotherapy on maternal mental health and psychological functioning and children’s welfare.
There are also research and other reports of social child welfare interventions where at times children are even taken away (child removals) from the parent or parents for safe keeping.
Experts say it is important how parents plan their leaves in order to renew or rebuild their mental strength to be able to take good care of their kids.
Anyway, studies are limited about parent-child psychological distress and situations where children are taken away from their parents among minorities, such as African migrants. It will be interesting to know the figures and other aspects of mental health issues among the migrant group(s) in Finland.
Health and migrant vulnerability
Health experts point out that migrant communities can be highly vulnerable to diseases, especially certain infectious diseases. Experts say those who came to Finland as refugees or asylum seekers and their family members are often in a more vulnerable position in terms of their health (see www.thl.fi).
Research and media reports have shown in many countries that there are structural or societal/cultural factors that result in quite high rates of infection or ill-health among migrants, when compared to the majority population.
It is suggested that for example language barrier, lack of information, the nature of the work of migrants in professions where working from home is not possible (for example during the Covid-19 pandemic), not accessing healthcare, etc. can present some of the factors for migrants’ vulnerability to diseases and infections.
Childhood disadvantage
Information about the issue. Such a situation was much evidenced to reduce stress and anxiety during the coronavirus situation.
Thus, these associations and institutions become networks that create an important social capital as well as outlets for sharing and gaining information or knowledge.
Finland is committed to the integration of migrants into the Finnish society, as I keep pointing out. A number of research studies from surveys and other in-depth enquiries have shown a trend of increasing efforts to integrate African and other migrants into the Finnish society.
As the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has pointed out, health and wellbeing are an important part of integration of immigrants in Finland (see www.thl.fi).
There have been studies on whether behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress and child welfare intervention by social services. Unhealthy behaviours and their associations with subsequent sickness among Finnish young and early midlife employees have been studied.
When it comes to this subject and/or the effect of adult psychological distress on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in Finland, there is limited knowledge.
We should hope for more information to augment understandings about adult psychological distress and effect on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in order to inform policy directions.
Such studies will help to create awareness among migrants in Finland about their mental health, its effect on them and their children’s wellbeing, as well as where to seek therapy.
Migrant associations, social networks, and information
Migrants associations are already doing much to help in education on mental health and have become important points for securing. Public agencies, migrant associations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Finland have been publishing information to help educate people about their health and wellbeing.
Generally, migrant associations formally create awareness among their members and other migrants usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interests and claims heard.
As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations 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!
By Perpetual Crentsil
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