Features
Summer picnics among Ghanaian migrants in Finland
Today, I focus on interactions among Ghanaian migrants here in Finland. One of the ways Ghanaian migrants here interact is through picnics organised during the summer period (one can say that summer months here are usually from June to September).
Recently, the Mfantseman Kuw in Finland organised a summer picnic in Helsinki. They invited many other groups, such as the Ghana Union Finland, the Asanteman Kuo, and other members of the Ghanaian community.
Ghanaian migrant groups in Finland, such as the main group, the Ghana Union Finland (GUF), and other smaller ethnic groups do organise similar events.
Members of such groups bring together all Ghanaian migrants in Finland and aimed at promoting cultural activities for better intercultural and multicultural understanding. They also strive to uphold the good image of Ghana abroad, and create avenues for Ghanaian migrants to come together and interact.
Ghanaian dishes served
In the picnic organised by the MfantsemanKuw, there were lots of food and soft drinks to enjoy. Usually at such picnics, jollof rice, rice and stew, waakye, Gakenkey (Nkrandokono), fried fish and shito (chilli sauce), fried yams and ripe plantain are all popular dishes served.
Equally popular are roasted or grilled chicken, beef and sausages, alongside soft drinks (including the Ghanaian-type of ginger drink).
Ghanaian folk games
Initially, the organisers had expected to compete in fun games and other activities, including tug-of-war football,ludo,ampe, draughts playing cards, and races for the children,but it rained intermittently that day and only a few activities were organised, including some traditional Ghanaian folk games.
Regarding to the folk games, we did “KyeKyeKule” moves, played “Ampe”, and performed “Anntoakyire”. The reason for these traditional Ghanaian games/play was two-fold, that’s to do physical exercises and keep physically active for good health as well as to show part of Ghana’s culture to the kids at the event and children who had been born here in Finland or who did not grow up in Ghana to have ever witnessed those Ghanaian physical activities.
Continued on page 00.
and enacting “KyeKyeKule”: It was similarly with the “Ampe” and the “Anntoakyire”.
Portraying Ghana’s culture to children born in Finland
I have written something about how Ghanaian migrants in Finland live and organise their lives in everyday practices within the Finnish society and culture.
Actually, while Ghanaian migrants 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.
An example is the cooking and eating of certain kinds of food (or an improvisation from food combinations) that are deemed typically Ghanaian (or African). Aside the various dishes, the Ghanaian migrants in Finland also display Ghanaian culture during funeral events where people mostly wear Ghanaian funeral clothes and styles made with fabrics from Ghana.
Summer picnics and sociality
Some time ago, I wrote about how participants at a summer picnic organised by a Ghanaian association here in Helsinki allowed a group of Ghanaian migrants to be outdoored after the lockdown in Finland was eased.
It is obvious that the advantages of physical activities concern considerations of sedentary lifestyles and health. Lack of exercises can lead to cardiovascular problems, even among children, and especially those who are obese.
At the same time, we should also consider that picnics and the physical activities create social bonds or sociality. I must say that despite the fact that it rained intermittently that day, the picnic was very much enjoyable. Thank you!
By Perpetual Crentsil
Email: perpetualcrentsil@yahoo.com
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced, high-achieving society, it’s common to glorify long hours and an unwavering commitment to one’s profession. However, when dedication turns into an obsession, it can have severe and far-reaching consequences.
Workaholism, a pattern of behavior characterised by excessive and compulsive work habits, is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Defining workaholism: The Psychology behind the behavior
Workaholism is often driven by a combination of internal and external factors, including:
Internal Pressures:
Perfectionism: an unrelenting drive for flawlessness
Fear of failure: anxiety about not meeting expectations
Need for control: a desire to micromanage every aspect of work and life
External Pressures:
Job demands: high expectations from employers or clients
Organisational culture: a workplace environment that encourages or demands excessive work hours
Societal expectations: pressure to succeed and maintain a certain status
The health consequences: A growing concern
Prolonged workaholism can lead to a range of serious health issues, including:
1. Cardiovascular problems: hypertension, heart disease, and stroke due to chronic stress and neglect of physical health
2. Mental health concerns: anxiety, depression, and burnout, often exacerbated by lack of social support and self-care
3. Sleep disorders: insomnia, sleep deprivation, and related health issues, such as impaired cognitive function and mood disturbances
4. Immune system suppression: increased susceptibility to illnesses, such as colds, flu, and autoimmune diseases
5. Nutritional deficiencies: poor eating habits, weight changes, and related health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease
The lethality risks: A hidden danger
In extreme cases, workaholism can have lethal consequences, including:
1. Sudden cardiac death: increased risk due to chronic stress, hypertension, and neglect of physical health
2. Suicide: work-related stress and pressure can contribute to suicidal ideation, particularly in individuals with underlying mental health conditions
3. Accidents and injuries: fatigue and decreased cognitive function increase the risk of workplace accidents and errors
The social and emotional toll: Relationships and identity
Workaholism can also have devastating effects on personal relationships and overall well-being, leading to:
1. Strained relationships: family, friends, and colleagues may feel neglected, abandoned, or resentful
2. Loss of personal identity: over-identification with work can lead to a loss of interests, hobbies, and sense of purpose outside of work
3. Decreased productivity: burnout and decreased motivation can result in reduced job performance and satisfaction
4. Impaired cognitive function: decreased creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities due to chronic stress and fatigue
Breaking the cycle: Strategies for recovery
Recognising the signs of workaholism is crucial to preventing its negative consequences. Strategies for overcoming workaholism include:
1. Setting boundaries: establishing a healthy work-life balance and prioritising self-care
2. Prioritising self-care: engaging in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and social connections
3. Seeking support: therapy, support groups, and social connections can provide emotional support and guidance
4. Re-evaluating priorities: reassessing values and goals to align with a more balanced and fulfilling life
Conclusion
Workaholism is a serious issue that can have severe and far-reaching consequences for individuals, organisations, and society as a whole. By acknowledging the risks and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance, we can mitigate the negative effects of workaholism and promote overall well-being.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
How many times have we not made New Year resolutions but have not been able to achieve them?
When we are unable to achieve them we vow to ourselves that at the end of the year, we shall make proper New Year resolutions and this time we will make it happen only for the New Year to travel on and close to the end the story repeats itself.
A lot of people find themselves in this situation and if they were to rate their success, it may hover around 48 per cent. There is a popular quote that is generally attributed to Einstein that” Insanity, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
“A careful analysis will most likely reveal that, the discipline required to put in the required effort and the consistency required is absent in the execution phase of whatever plan has been put in place to realise the objectives.
Discipline according to the Oxford Dictionary is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, with punishment or other undesirable consequences for those failing to comply.
When we say someone is disciplined, what can be observed in his behaviour is consistency whether it is in connection with reporting for events on time, providing a particular service as promised on schedule etc.
In other words, that behaviour has become routine or has become a habit. If 2026 is going to be different from the previous years, as far as the achievement of New Year’s resolutions are concerned, then things must be done in a routine manner which will then ensure consistency.
If the resolution is say a closer walk with God by the end of the year for example, then the plan may be to sleep early enough and be able to wake up at say 5:00 am and pray and meditate on the Word of God.
This must be done every day, that is, you should have the discipline to make this routine behaviour which some people refer to as habit and that is what would ensure the realisation of your objective by the end of the year.
The question of how did you arrive at your new year’s resolution becomes very important. It brings in the God factor, which for me as a believer is very important because if you are say an Entrepreneur, then innovate ideas are what you need and according to Deuteronomy 8:18, innovative ideas to get wealth comes from God.
I believe that to be able to achieve our new year’s resolutions, we must approach them with a project management mindset. We should break the year into periods, either quarterly or monthly and evaluate our performance.
The end of the periods we have chosen should mark the achievement of certain goals or key milestones. This will reveal to us whether we are on track, whether we need to double up or there is the need to adjust certain things.
This year start looking at potential hindrances to the achievement of your resolutions. Check how much time you spend on social media for fun, like following the Akosua Serwaa and Odo Broni story and not for learning something useful that can add value to your life.
On a personal level, I have started cutting the time spent on listening to news and debates on various media platforms and using the time to polish my German and French as one of my resolutions.
Yours may be the time you spend on the phone chatting with friends, so please watch it and adjust especially as a child of God, so you too can have a testimony to share on December 31, 2026, to the glory of God. God bless.
NB: ‘KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
