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Playing our Ghanaian folk games in Helsinki
Last weekend, I took part in a summer picnic organised by a Ghanaian association here in Helsinki. The picnic allowed a group of Ghanaian immigrants to be outdoors after the lockdown in Finland was eased somewhere last month. The event brought together about 30 people.
We ate and drank (no alcohol), the organisers of the picnic and those of us older ones decided that instead of playing football and running races that Ghanaian immigrant groups usually do on such occasions, we would do some traditional Ghanaian moves or folk games for a change.
Displaying “Kye Kye Kule”, “Ampe”, and “Anntoakyire”
We did “Kye Kye Kule” moves, played “Ampe”, and “Anntoakyire”. The reason for these traditional Ghanaian games/play was two-fold. First, we wanted to do exercises in which as many people as possible could take part for the fun and also to keep physically active for good health after about three months of staying home due to the lockdown that started in mid-March and was eased last month.
The second reason was that we wanted to show to the children who had been born here in Finland or who did not grow up in Ghana to have ever witnessed those Ghanaian physical activities.
I saw the kids watched with obvious delight the activities and also when they took part in the activities.
We laughed and enjoyed singing and enacting “Kye Kye Kule”: “Kye Kye Kule…Kyee Kule; Kye Kye Kofi sa…Kye Kye Kofi sa; Kofi salangan…Kofi salanga; Tatashi langa…Tatashi langa…Kum adende..kum adende”.
It was similarly with the “Anntoakyire”. “Anntoakyire…Yeeye; obi ba oo…yee yei; obeewu oo…yeeye; obi ba rebewu oo…oda ho”. I told someone that years ago in Ghana an elderly man had explained to me the etymology of “Anntoakyire”, explaining that it was originally called “Annhwewoakyire” (literally, “not to look behind you” because you do not have to look behind you to determine that an object has been placed there; you have to show smartness by guessing right).
Portraying Ghana culture to kids born in Finland
I remember some years ago, some Ghanaian immigrants taught Twi to Ghanaian kids here in Finland as well as drumming and dancing. Maybe due to work schedules and other issues teaching of such activities has died down. But we know it has to be revived.
I have written sometimes about how Ghanaian migrants in Finland live and organise their lives in everyday practices within the Finnish society and culture.
Actually, while Ghanaian immigrants in Finland make efforts to integrate into the society where they live (here in Finland), they also try to portray the culture of Ghana, their original country.
Cooking and eating certain kinds of food (or an improvisation from food combinations) are deemed typically Ghanaian (or African) is an example. Ghanaian immigrants in Finland also display Ghanaian culture during funeral events where people mostly wear Ghanaian funeral clothes and styles made with fabrics from Ghana.
Modernity, technology and our folk games
We may be losing grounds with keeping our folk games and indigenous identity due to modern technology and video games. Actually technology is driving the world very fast, and we may be helpless stopping technological advances.
All the same, we should find ways of going along with modern technology while still maintaining our indigenous practices that are worth preserving.
Mobile phones and computers have potentials if used effectively to enhance information and education although they have their own challenges, such as non-access to the devices and considerations of sedentary lifestyles and health.
Lack of exercises can lead to cardiovascular problems, even among kids, especially those who are obese as well as those with lower social bonds.
Aside this, we also need to teach the kids to appreciate what our culture offers as a way of our cultural/social capital and identity, even if it is multiple identities involving both Ghanaian and Finnish cultural values.
Dr Perpetual Crentsil
perpetual.crentsil@yahoo.com
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
