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.

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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