Ghanaian migrants in Finland and social relationships

● Ghanaian migrants in Finland at an event

 I have recently come across some studies about migrants and social relationships. Such studies, done in other European countries, revealed in­teresting things about the social lives or relationships of the migrants, and I started thinking about what happens with Ghanaian migrants in Finland.

So, today, I write about Ghanaian migrants in Finland and social rela­tionships. It is not totally based on any academic study; rather, what I write here is based on my personal observa­tions and the opinions of some Ghana­ian migrants in Finland, although I also rely a bit on my own research about African/Ghanaian migrants here.

The nature/types of social rela­tionships of migrants

According to researchers on migra­tion, a perspective of migrants’ com­mitments builds on insights into global flows while providing a focus on place, human agency, meaning making, at­tachments, and life strategising.

Sets of migrant networks ranging across kinship, friendship and work­mates in Ghana (country of origin) and in Finland give Ghanaian migrants the chance to interact with myriad groups of people, networks and situations.

Social networks of family, friends, migrants associations, etc., have become important points for provid­ing information and education about healthy lifestyles, social relations, and improving wellbeing.

What I wrote some time ago about the social lives of aging Ghanaian migrants is true for even younger ones too. They all strive to keep social bonds. There is a form of reasoning in which the meaning of the social world is objectified through family (kinship), friendship, and other ties.

Family bonds

A key contribution of the family, based on the kinship system in the various groups in Ghana, is the sense of belonging derived from the family bonds the Ghanaian migrants have both in Ghana and here in Finland.

Kinship and friendship ties in both societies of origin and settlement are important since these network con­nections constitute a form of social capital that people can draw upon for various reasons and benefits—including employment, solidarity and sense of belonging.

Friendship networks

Ghanaian migrants enter into friendships with fellow migrants and others in Finland. Sometimes, the net­works of friendship ties can become even stronger than family ties.

Like family bonds, friendship ties in both societies of origin and set­tlement, and Ghanaian migrants can draw upon this as a form of social capital.

Civic participation

Ghanaian migrants in Finland engage in various activities as part of civic participation. Such activities include volunteering for local organi­sations and agencies, or as members of clubs or Ghanaian associations.

As I mentioned previously, migrant associations are increasingly focusing on social lives and how to help im­prove the wellbeing of people such as migrants.

Generally, such associations seek to serve as a platform to combat loneliness and as a way to protect the mental health and physical wellbe­ing of older migrants, especially the senior citizens, if you choose to call them so.

Loneliness

One of the key issues most Gha­naian migrants talk about when they meet is how to avoid or at least re­duce loneliness and boredom.

In a small study I did about African migrants (including some Ghanaian migrants) I found that some of them engaged in gambling practices in order to avoid becoming bored at home.

Many migrants indulged in prac­tices just to avoid loneliness and boredom. For example, some mi­grants engage in gambling and value the practice as a means of avoiding boredom, marginalisation and other problems in life.

The way forward

Many Ghanaian migrants find var­ious ways to keep relationships alive in order to prevent loneliness and boredom.

Public agencies, migrant associ­ations and other non-governmental organisations in Finland are advocat­ing the good health and wellbeing of people, especially migrants.

Many migrant groups or associa­tions are using social media platforms and virtual meetings to educate their members and others about the impor­tance of keeping positive social lives for a healthy life. Thank you!

By Perpetual Crentsil

Email: perpetualcrentstil@yahoo.com