News
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
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
