On Finland’s Independence Anniversary Celebration Last Week

Last Saturday, December 6, 2025, Finland celebrated its 108th independence anniversary. I participated in two events as part of the celebrations. Today, I bring to readers some of the positive impressions I took home from those events, as I move away from the topic of personalities or groups and their accomplishments within the Ghanaian community in Finland that I have been focusing on.

The first event was a pre-independence anniversary event on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Helsinki. It is known as Kiitos Suomi in Finnish (in Swedish, Tack Finland, and in English, Thank You Finland). It was a multicultural event that brought together Finns and migrants in Finland originally from various countries of the world.

The second event, known as Multicultural Finland, similarly brought together a multicultural audience. It was organised by Moniheli, a Finnish multicultural network of over 150 organisations that supports immigrants, integration, social inclusion, and promotes equality (see www.moniheli.fi).

Diversity and Inclusion

Finland upholds and promotes diversity of cultures and peoples and their inclusion in Finnish society. This was echoed and emphasised in the speeches of the various speakers at both events.

One great point that strongly came up was that a multicultural society always allows new ideas or knowledge to be created, adding to existing ones. The diverse, colourful costumes worn by people from different cultures and countries, the dances, the different dishes, and other cultural artefacts laid bare the values of diversity and inclusion. This provided not just a diverse array of colours but also a melting pot of different cultures—a multicultural Finland.

Integration

Inclusion is also about integration, and the two undoubtedly build a sense of belonging. As I wrote previously, Finland sees the role of migrant associations as acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in decision-making processes and by acting as a representative voice, which is highly appreciated in Finland.

Generally, migrant associations help the authorities of various institutions to formally create awareness among their members and other migrants, usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions. They are thus an important tool for migrants to be positively active and to have their interests and concerns heard.

A Positive Outlook on the Finnish System

Most citizens and residents in Finland appreciate the effectiveness of the various sectors of the Finnish system and institutions. Both natives and immigrants in Finland are entitled to access the various services in the country.

The NGOs and social groups, including migrant associations, offer specialised support for migrants, while others are involved in activities that address social exclusion issues impacting health and other aspects of life. Research and other reports indicate that NGOs and social institutions advocate for the involvement of individuals and communities in decision-making in many areas, such as health and education. For example, it has been pointed out that migrants’ involvement in health decision-making requires explicit national policies that are implemented evenly across policy-making.

Independence Dates: Finland and Ghana

On every December 6, when Finland celebrates its independence anniversary, I start the countdown to Ghana’s own independence anniversary on March 6. Finland gained independence on December 6, 1917, while Ghana’s falls on March 6, 1957—the two dates are thus connected by the sixth day of their respective months.

I always pray that Ghana learns some things from Finland. As I wrote some time ago, Finland is committed to maintaining, shaping, and reshaping its identity as a leader in forestry, technology, and global issues such as climate change, security, and development.

Gender equality is also a key concern in the Finnish government, which operates as a unicameral parliament introduced in 1905 with universal suffrage (for both men and women). Finland was thus the first country in today’s Europe to grant women full political rights. In 2000, Finland elected its first female president, Tarja Halonen, who in 2008 gave the keynote speech in Accra at the 12th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). I hope Ghana will elect a female president one day.

Finally, corruption is not tolerated in Finland, and perpetrators are exposed and prosecuted without delay or favour.

Thank you! Kiitos! Tack!

With Dr. Perpetual Crentsil
perpetual.crentsil@yahoo.com

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