Features
Mfantseman Kuw in Finland’s New Year party
LAST Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Mfantseman Kuw Finland Association organised a New Year party in Helsinki.
Organised under the theme “Unity and Progress,” the colourful event was aimed at ushering in the association’s activities for the year 2026.
It was well attended and graced by representatives of Ghanaian migrant groups such as the Ghana Union Finland, Asanteman Finland, Brong Ahafo, and the Ghanaian Muslim community, as well as Finnish friends and other nationalities.
A history of Mfantseman Kuw Finland
The Mfantseman Kuw was registered in Finland on February 25, 2013. It was started when a group of Ghanaian migrants in Finland thought of bringing together people in Finland who are from the Fante ethnic group in southern Ghana. Later, members of other ethnic groups and Finnish people were welcomed to join the association.
The Mfantseman Kuw was formed mainly to assist its members to be informed and well integrated into Finnish society, and to seek the general well-being and advancement of its members as good citizens and residents in Finland.
It also aims to assist members in times of need and in celebrations of personal achievements. Such areas include death and funeral support, youth and gender advocacy, support in social activities, education, and counselling on civic participation, to ensure that the association is beneficial to its members in as many diverse ways as possible.
Unity in diversity and exciting displays
Last Saturday’s event featured impressive and diverse cultural displays from the Akan culture in Ghana, of which the Fantis form a major part. The event was spiced with rich cultural dance performances and colourful attires, which were a delight to watch.
The association often collaborates with others at events where its members adorn colourful kente and other Ghanaian fabrics. In line with its mission to showcase Ghanaian or Akan/Fante culture in Finland as a way to promote unity in diversity, the association also treated the audience last Saturday to typical Fante highlife and other types of Ghanaian music.
Invited to the stage by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr Frank Aidoo, who is also the Abusuapanyin of Mfantseman Kuw, various individual guests and representatives of associations delivered inspirational messages.
A particular side attraction was a competition in which children danced to highlife music, coordinated by Mr Kofi Essuman, the Okyeame of Mfantseman Kuw, and Madam Miriam Boateng, one of the organisers of the association.
Collaborations
Social networks of family, friends, and migrant associations have become important points for interaction, securing information, and education about various issues.
The way forward for 2026
In the year 2026, the Mfantseman Kuw Finland aims to work even more on collaborations, networking, and other activities to promote unity, peace, and the wellbeing of its members and others even outside the association.
Mfantseman Kuw strives to be a network that creates important social capital, as well as an outlet for sharing information and knowledge. Public agencies, migrant associations, and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Finland have been publishing information to help educate people about issues concerning health. For example, one important way Mfantseman Kuw supports its members is by helping to organise burial or funeral rites of a deceased member. This is also a good way to display Ghanaian culture, as many people mostly wear Ghanaian-style funeral clothes and designs made with fabrics from Ghana.
Mfantseman Kuw has been collaborating with other organisations such as Asanteman, Brong Ahafo, the Ghanaian Muslim group, and the Ghana Union Finland—the major Ghanaian migrant group in Finland—to promote the wellbeing of Ghanaian migrants in Finland. The association hopes to increase such activities in 2026.
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 in society. Mfantseman Kuw hopes to support such efforts by contributing its quota as best as it can.
As stated 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.
By Perpetual Crentsil
perpetualcrentsil@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
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
