Features
The AU and Ghanaian /African Diaspora in Finland
My write up today is about the Ghanaian/African Diaspora in Finland and how they marked the Africa Day as a day to celebrate the African Union (AU) on 25th May of each year. I dedicate it to the AU.
Incidentally, 25th May is my birthday too, but I focus mainly on the AU and activities of the Ghanaian/African migrants in Finland to mark that day.
What I write here is to highlight some positive things from activities to celebrate the AU’s anniversary.
The African Union
History tells us that the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union was formed on 25th May 1963 in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, with Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah playing an instrumental role.
The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999), according to information on its website.
The Union promotes a prosperous and peaceful Africa which is driven by its own citizens and represents a dynamic force on the global arena (see https://au.int/en/overview).
History
The history is that in May 1963, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, The Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
The OAU was the manifestation of the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free and in control of its own destiny. This was solemnised in the OAU Charter in which the founding fathers recognised that freedom, equality, justice and dignity were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples, the information further says.
The guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism which centred on African socialism and promoted African unity, the communal characteristic and practices of African communities, and a drive to embrace Africa’s culture and common heritage (see https:// au.int/en/overview).
Diaspora activities in Finland
There is no doubt that the African Diaspora and people of African descent are eager to portray and promote a sense of African unity, the communal characteristics and practices as pertains in African communities, and a drive to embrace Africa’s culture and common heritage in Finland.
This is in agreement with the AU’s objective that the Diaspora Division serves as the focal point and hub for implementing the African Union decision to invite and encourage the African Diaspora to participate in the building and development of the African continent (see https://au.int/diaspora-division).
Unity in diversity
Almost all activities organised have endeavoured to portray a sense of unity in diversity, bringing together the diverse cultural identity of the people originally from their African countries.
Although customs of, for example, northern African societies differ vastly from the customs of other parts of the continent, there are more common customs and cultural similarities.
With their various cultural and religious backgrounds, the African Diaspora in Finland promote unity and integration without any considerations to the fact that there are different countries in Africa and that there could be vastly diverse identities.
Enlightening information
and Cultural display
Events organised by members of the African Diaspora focus mainly on information that is enlightening about the African Union and its tenets as well as the African culture.
Some of the highlights of the events involved group of people that holding discussions about what the African Diaspora such as academics and other stakeholders in Finland and elsewhere can do to drive change in the education sector in Africa.
Participants from and representing the various countries on the continent took part in the activities to commemorate the Africa Day.
They engaged in cooking and eating of some African kinds of food (or an improvisation from food combinations) which are deemed typically Ghanaian or that of other African countries.
African migrants, including those originally from Ghana and other African countries organised celebrations and other events in typical “African way”. They adorned African clothes and performed cultural activities portraying the cultures of the various countries of the continent. Thank you!
By Perpetual Crentsil
Email: perpetualcrentsil@yahoo.com
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
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