Features
Wrong recruitment a danger to the Ghanaian society

Agatha is a beautiful young lady who had a dream of becoming a Medical Doctor. However, things became financially difficult for her due to the passing away of her Dad at Senior High School (SHS) 2 since there was no Free SHS Policy in place at the time.
In her final year, she realised that her dream of going to pursue medicine at the university had to be modified.
She decided to pursue nursing after SHS contrary to her original plan since there was policy of payment of allowance, which would greatly help her to overcome her financial challenges, which involved supporting her mom to assist her younger siblings who were in SHS.
Agatha qualified as a nurse and was employed by the Ghana Health Service and posted to one of the hospitals in the country. Although qualified as a nurse, her passion for the job was not strong enough and, therefore, her attitude in providing care left much to be desired.
There are a lot of Agathas’ in our health facilities. An effective recruitment programme into the nursing fraternity would have easily identified that Agatha was not cut out for the job.
Joe was a SHS leaver but his character was nothing to write home about at school and at home. Everybody in the community knew that he was a wee smoker.
He was involved in a lot of disciplinary issues at school but because his uncle was an influential politician, he managed to intervene on the several instances that Joe fell foul of the school regulations.
Within a year after leaving school, he was drafted into the police service without any proper background check. Joe went through the recruits training and some months later he passed out as full-fledged policeman whose moral upbringing was not cut out for the work he found himself in.
Joe is now officially clothed with the authority to use “reasonable” force where necessary and are you surprised when a journalist gets brutalised for taking a picture of a policeman who is apparently breaking the law? Are you surprised when hard drugs kept in police custody suddenly turns into a harmless substance? Are you surprised when armed robbers are arrested and some of them are identified as policemen? There are Joes’ in the security forces.
When we were growing up in the late 60s and early 70s, teachers were the embodiment of discipline. They were our role models and commanded such a huge respect in both the schools and among the general public. They were at the top of the list of opinion leaders and seldom would you hear of a teacher involved in some scandal.
What is happening now in the educational sector concerning teachers, has tarnished the enviable reputation they used to enjoy during our days. It has been scandal upon scandal. A case was reported recently, of a teacher who had impregnated a Junior High School (JHS) student at Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region and an attempt to abort the pregnancy, resulted in the destruction of the womb of the girl.
Again, the reasons behind such behaviours are not hard to find. Some people are now in the teaching field not because they have passion for the teaching profession but largely due to economic pressure.
The stories we hear of that boggles the mind, especially those of us who have been around for a long time in this country, can be attributed to the recruitment systems in place. There is a popular phrase in computer industry known as “gigo” that is garbage in-garbage out.
The outcome of the ineffective recruitment in the various civil and public services is the manifestation of decadent behaviour we are witnessing. As the saying goes, “a leopard can never change its spots”.
The character formed in a person is very difficult to change and this must guide people in authority in fashioning out a policy for recruitment into the various government institutions.
There must be a holistic approach towards the way people are recruited. There has to be a total review of how interviews are conducted for selection into the various institutions.
There should be a psychological review aspect of the process where people are tested or examined to determine their character in terms of morality. There should be a process which applicants must go through for the determination of their real intention, in applying for the job. This would help in determining suitability of applicants so that those who really love the particular profession they are applying for are selected.
It is not only the government institutions that as a society we should worry about. The profession of men in clerical must also engage our attention. It is a fact that the pastors are not employees of government institutions but they play a very vital role in shaping the mindset of people and, therefore, the society.
They serve as a moral compass for the society and their actions must be brought under close scrutiny given the negative reports emanating from their ranks. There is a clamour for their actions to be regulated by the state.
A Moderator of one of the leading religious denominations was on TV last Sunday disagreeing to this call for regulating the activities of pastors but rather calling for pastors to be treated as individuals, and that those who fell foul of the law be dealt with according to the law.
Taking into account the number of incidents involving pastors who are not under any structured religious denomination, it must be of concern to any right thinking member of the society. These one-man church pastors are not accountable to anyone.
They allocate titles to themselves and whether they actually received a call from God or it was just a “flash”, you and I were not there so we cannot tell. A lot of them are what I call ‘spiritual entrepreneurs’; they are in for just money. It is a business enterprise to them and not any desire to win souls for God, so morality is thrown to the dogs.
A national dialogue can be initiated by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Christian Council, The Muslim Council, The Peace Council, The Civil Service, Civil Society Organisations and other relevant stakeholders to fashion out a policy for recruitment into various government organisations and screening of potential pastors and even non-governmental organisations and businesses.
This is one of the surest ways to eliminate or reduce corruption, because if someone pays a bribe to be given a job, it is an investment which he or she would find means to recover. It would also ensure that the right people in terms of real passion for the particular job are recruited. The so called protocol selection must cease, otherwise the inequality in our society would never end.
A first step would be the consideration of the use of IT which would eliminate human interference as much as possible, so that the selection would be done by computers, based on defined selection criteria just like the one for selection into the universities and senior high schools.
The Average Citizen
Features
The increasing entrepreneurship among the Ghanaian diaspora in Finland
It seems more Ghanaian migrants in Finland are going into entrepreneurship or self-employment, and today I focus on the increasing economic activities of some people in the Ghanaian migrant community.
This is important because it shows the positive side of some Ghanaian individual migrants or groups (or their companies) who are accomplishing or trying to accomplish much for their wellbeing in Finland.
Some time ago, I wrote on the same topic, and today, I continue on that tangent but with a closer look on the expanding entrepreneurial endeavours among Ghanaian migrants in Finland. In this write up, I concentrate on the rise of business ventures that Ghanaian migrants in Finland usually engage in as part of their economic activities in Finland.
Such ventures include hair salons or barbering shops, grocery shops or shop keeping generally, etc. which are operated in some Finnish cities, especially in the Helsinki capital area (such as Espoo, Helsinki, and Vantaa).
Existing research studies show that migrants may start their own companies based on their entrepreneurial aspirations and/or necessity as it may be difficult for them to find suitable jobs matching their education. Other studies point out that migrant entrepreneurs also create their own jobs and tend to employ other migrants if the business is successful, thus helping to reduce the unemployment burden in the host country. Whatever the case, I think both scenarios go well with Ghanaian migrants in Finland.
Hair salons and barbering shops
I previously wrote that barbering shops and salons are becoming increasingly popular and are patronised by other Ghanaian or African migrants in Finland, especially women. Recent new barbering shops and hairdressing salons opened by Ghanaian and other African migrants to add to the number of existing ones attests to this point. Other Ghanaian/African migrant entrepreneurs are into African clothing shops or dress-making/fashion industry. The artefacts or clothing shops usually sell fabrics brought from Ghana and other parts of Africa.
Aside this, some Ghanaians have established cleaning companies or a business in housing apartment rentals.
Shop keeping and African foodstuffs
Ghanaian migrants/entrepreneurs living in Finland are involved in shop keeping (or buying and selling) ventures.
There are also African restaurants that serve African dishes. The cooking and serving of “Ghanaian food” is encouraged at events organised by Ghanaian groups and individuals. It is therefore not surprising that the dishes sold in restaurants are highly patronised too.
The selling of Ghanaian or African food and artefacts has been common among the Ghanaian migrants in Finland. One can easily buy Ghanaian foodstuffs such as yams, garri, and others imported from Ghana and other African countries. I think this could make things easier should anyone set up a Ghanaian/African restaurant.
The IT sector/Online business
The information technology (IT) sector is another area that is gaining interest among the Ghanaian migrant entrepreneurs. Many potential entrepreneurs are considering going into the IT start-ups and entrepreneurship.
I do not have much information about what the situation is but I would not be surprised to hear one day that some of them have actually taken off and are doing well. It could also be that some businesses are mostly going to operate online.
As I mentioned some time ago, many Ghanaian migrants in Finland have acquired more expertise and resources (academically, economically, technically, technologically, etc.), and the IT sector looks to be very promising for venturing into entrepreneurship.
Other African migrants may currently be operating or have previously owned media (including videography) or newspaper/magazine outlets, particularly in the capital city of Helsinki.
Opportunities for integration
These days the question whether the business opportunities is a positive sign of integration of Ghanaian migrants in Finland keeps coming to my mind.
Could it also offer opportunities for them to team up with Finnish companies for business and investment opportunities either in Ghana or in Finland? Maybe!
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 in the Finnish society.
There is an enabling environment created within the Finnish business and entrepreneurship sector for people who are business-minded, including migrants. Thank you!
perpetual.crentsil@yahoo. com
By Perpetual Crentsil
Features
The Prophet part 9
Antubam followed her. She indicated for him to sit down. She was about to call Mary when she emerged from the hall, followed by Suzzie.
“It’s good you are both here,” she said. “There’s something I need to tell all three of you. Mr Antubam, I will not waste time on your so-called interest in me, because you and I are two very different people with absolutely nothing in common. The main point I want to make now is that your so-called church is nothing but a fraud with which you are deceiving people who may be ignorant today, but are still precious in God’s sight.
Apart from deceiving them and enriching yourself, you are using God’s name to commit fraud. Today you may be enjoying money, food, alcohol and women, but you will certainly pay a high price for it, unless of course you are willing to repent now. My concern is for my two sisters.
I am demanding that they cut all links with you, now. No visits to your home or church, and no telephone calls. I have told them to give you back every penny you have given them. I am prepared to find money to pay whatever they owe you. That is all I have to say.”
Antubam rose, furious, and pointed his finger at her.
“Let me warn you, Betty. Yes, I am interested in you, and I am ready to take care of all your needs, even to rent a house and buy a car for you. But I will not allow you to insult me. You better withdraw those words you have used against me now, or I will deal with you very soon.”
“Don’t make me laugh, Antubam. You? Deal with me? Why don’t you deal with me now? You have to wait till you go to the shrine and beg the fetish priest to deal with me? See how miserable you are? I dare you! Leave my house now, and go to that miserable fetish priest and get him to rain down all his powers on me!”
“You will see!” Antubam declared as he moved towards his car. He hesitated for a moment to see if Mary and Suzzie would walk him to the car, but noticing that they were firmly glued to their seats he got in the car and drove home.
He got out of the car and went straight to the drinks cupboard, poured himself a full glass of whisky and gulped down half of it. He sat down and called his batman, Kofi Takyi.
“Which two women did you call today?”
“Aggie, one of the new members is in. She is having supper in the guest room. Priscilla will be coming around 9pm.”
“Good work, Kofi. Now, get me my food.” After wolfing down the fufu and light soup, he gulped down the other half of the whisky and stretched out on the sofa and began a smooth, rhythmic snore. Priscilla entered, walked over and, shaking her head, strolled to the bedroom.
Betty came from the shower to find the two friends still glued to their seats.
“Well? Aren’t you two going to say anything?”
“I have something to say,” Mary said. “I don’t understand you, Betty. You want us to cut all links with Antubam, and to refund all the money he has given us. Now, when we do that, do we come back here tomorrow, sit and stare at the sky and hope and pray that our holy sister (Betty) will bring us manna to eat?”
“Such a stupid statement must not come from you, Mary. What happened to your WASSCE qualifications and your intelligence? Here’s some free advice. Get on the internet. Submit applications for university admission. I am prepared to pay for the two of you. And from tomorrow, start studying the Bible seriously, with the intention of doing what it says. I assure you, there are solutions in the Bible for every problem you face today, and will face tomorrow. All you need, Mary, is to use your God-given intelligence. How could you stoop so low as to take money from a common thief and drunkard like Antubam?”
Suzzie rose quietly and held Betty’s hand. “Do you know, Betty? Until a few minutes ago I did not know that you cared so much about me that you consider me your sister. I promise you. We will do as you say. Mary, we will go and collect the rent money, add it to all the money we have taken, and pay it into the account. From tomorrow, Betty, Mary and I will follow you wherever you go’. With tears streaming down her cheeks she walked away.”
Antubam got up with a start. He checked the time on his phone. It was midnight. He sat up, and was moving towards the bedroom when he heard the voices.
“Is anything the matter?” he said. “You have never come here at this time. I thought you only come at dawn.”
“We are always here. We only contact you when we have to. We have to warn you. That girl is trouble. If you don’t leave her alone there will be problems.”
“I don’t understand. I can’t leave her alone. I must sleep with her as many times as possible, conquer her. Why can’t you get her for me?”
“She is firmly buried in the book. You are sleeping with two women every night, and there are many more available in the church. Leave that girl alone?”
“Do you fear her? What book is that? I don’t know why…..” before he could finish the sentence several flashes of pain like a horsewhip on fire cut across his back, and he yelled, bringing Priscilla and Aggie from their rooms.
“What is it, Antubam?” Priscilla asked.
“Er…er. I saw a revelation about a church member who is in some trouble. I need to pray for her. Please go back to the rooms. I will join you soon.” Aggie went to the room, but Priscilla lingered.
“Antubam, why don’t you tell me what the problem is so that I can help you? It appears you have just received some spiritual lashes. Are you being punished for something you have done?”
“Perhaps your husband is punishing me for sleeping with you.”
“Do you dare insult me, Antubam. You will certainly regret speaking to me like this?”
“You have a loud mouth, but your only abilities in life, Priscilla, are sex and extorting money. I will come and sleep with you shortly, and give you money in the morning. Now leave!” She slipped out quietly, and the voices resumed.
“Next time you talk like that you will receive a much bigger punishment. We are only trying to protect you. You are planning to go to the shrine tomorrow morning to invoke curses on the girl. Be careful. Our master may grant your wish if you press him, but you may regret it.”
“I am sorry if I sound ungrateful, but I just can’t resist that girl. She is so beautiful and sexy. Moreover she has insulted me, and I must punish her.”
“Remember we warned you. You are already in danger. One of your competitors is asking questions about you, and thinking about the possibility of dealing with you. Jehoshaphat Agyiri. Everyone calls him Gidigidi.”
“I have heard of him. But what have I done?”
“He belongs to us. We work for him. He wants to check if you will threaten him. He can’t do you any harm as long as you use the stick. But your main problem will come from the girl.”
“Thank you for your help. As for the girl, please talk to Nana Broni for me. I am ready to pay anything for the pleasure of catching that girl in my bed and disciplining her.”
“Antubam,” Priscilla started, “are you going to apologise for the way you spoke to me? And are you going to apologise for bringing another woman here even though I am here with you?”
“Are you going to collect money from me tomorrow morning, Priscilla?”
“Get into bed, you idiot. I wonder why those women in the church cannot see you for the cheap fraudster you really are.”
Antubam took off at dawn, and arrived at the shrine before five.
“You are welcome, Antubam. We know, yet we still ask, as the saying goes. What brings you here?”
“You already know, Okomfo. I must have the girl at all costs. I am prepared to pay anything.”
“I have already consulted Nana Ama Kokoben. I have prepared a fire for her. She will be here any minute, with her mirrors. What you are asking is beyond me, but she is willing to help you. Ah, here she is.”
The small woman sat on a stool next to Okomfo, and stared into Antubam’s eyes for several minutes.
“I will try to help you, but the effort will come from you.” They moved over to the fire, and she placed the two mirrors over the fire.”
“Look! You will see the girl. Take this needle. When she appears in the mirror, pierce her eyes with the needle. By the time you get back to Tafo she will be at your house. From today, she will follow you just as a dog follows its master.”
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