Features
The Diaspora engagements
At the start of this year, I did promise to bring to readers at points in time some of the positive things that Ghanaian immigrants and others in the diaspora were accomplishing or trying to accomplish, in Finland.
I wrote that there were a lot of engagements among Ghanaian immigrants in Finland— within the Ghana Union Finland as the representative association of the Ghanaian community, as well as by individuals and even other African immigrants collaborating with their Ghanaian counterparts.
There are many positive things that are happening within the Ghanaian immigrant community in Finland.
Great efforts are being made by certain groups or associations as well as individuals, which need to be highlighted.
As I keep pointing out, Finland encourages migrants’ participation in the planning of issues concerning the migrants themselves as one of the efficient ways to improve their inclusion.
Health webinars
Recently, an immigrant originally from Cameroon has been organising health awareness webinars. Last December she collaborated with some Finnish institutions and organised a webinar for creating Cancer awareness.
These online events were very important especially during the COVID-19 and lockdown period. One such event was in collaboration with some Finnish institutions to organise an event to create awareness of chronic diseases.
This is very important since many immigrants are becoming more aware of their aging population and the need to take care of their wellbeing and lifestyles in order to stay healthy.
There are some people within the Ghanaian migrant community who have retired or are nearing retirement and thinking about their pension issues. At the same time, the thoughts among many Ghanaian or African immigrants centre on how to keep themselves healthy and avoid becoming chronic or life-threatening illness.
Academic journey of Ghanaian/African immigrants
Another area of attention falls within the academic path. This month and the next, as part of the Black history month, a portrait exhibition is being organised to celebrate contributions to various fields of study by Black Academics.
This exhibition is expected to present portraits and biographies of Black Ph.D. students, post-doctoral fellows, and Professors from different fields.
According to the organisers, the objective is to allow the academics share their stories and experiences as inspiration to young students and those who want to pursue an academic career.
Other areas
A number of immigrants’ associations or social groups are being formed and dedicated to serving people, especially immigrants, in one way or the other.
Most of these associations are Diaspora networks that engage in cultural displays, educating people about cultural heritage and entertainment.
This area also includes the many small businesses set up by individuals to serve people within the Ghanaian and other African immigrant communities.
Encouragement
This is a way to encourage others within the Ghanaian/African community, where the many personalities and institutions have contributed to or are ensuring the smooth running of things for the immigrants in Finland.
As I wrote the last time, many of them have used their knowledge and abilities to encourage and help improve the lives of members of the Ghanaian immigrant community in Finland.
Many have acquired huge expertise and resources (academically, economically, technically, technologically, etc.) and try to give something back to society through imparting that to others or supporting them in other means.
In this way, the immigrants also get integrated into the host Finnish society. Thank you!
Email: perpetualcrentsil@yahoo.com
By Perpetual Crentsil
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
