Features
Remembering Sir Willie, a versatile elder in the Ghanaian community in Finland
• Sir Solomon Wilberforce Owusu Essandor
On Saturday, September 3, 2022, the funeral of Sir Solomon Wilberforce Owusu Essandor will take place in Helsinki, Finland.
He died at a hospital in Finland on May 17, 2021, after a short illness and was buried in June the same year. However, largely due to the COVID-19 restrictions at the time, his funeral rites could not follow soon after.
Degrees and expertise
Born in January 1955, Sir Willie, as he was affectionately called after he received a Finnish State Award, came to Finland in 1989 and studied Political Science at the Helsinki University. He had two Master’s degrees (VTM) in International Politics and also in International Law.
As a student, he was appointed to the Helsinki University’s Senate Board for International Affairs where he represented the interests of international students. He had obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the Webster University, Geneva, Switzerland from 1985-1987.
Sir Willie was an expert in immigration, human rights, human resources management, sourcing, refugees and Trade Union issues. Indeed, he was so versatile and had immense knowledge and experience only a few could match.
He had a deep knowledge of the Finnish educational system, which he greatly admired.
Working life and achievements
After his studies, Sir Willie worked as a sorter at Finland’s Post Corporation (then known as Itella Corporation) in Helsinki.
He rose to the position of Human Resources Manager (HR Manager). It was a feat seldom achieved by immigrants in Finland.
Wilberforce was given, among other duties, the task of developing a multicultural policy for the company due to the increasing number of immigrant workers then employed at Itella.
Honoured
He received a prestigious award, the Order of the White Rose of Finland, from the Finnish State during the Independence Day celebration of Finland on December 6, 2005, and thus joined the exclusive family of Finnish Knights (Ritarit).
He was one of eight recipients of the award, not only based on their services in the Post Corporation but also on their versatility in different areas of expertise in the Finnish society.
Sir Wilberforce Essandor was, indeed, a champion of multiculturalism both in Finland and across Europe by speaking and teaching at different conferences to promote equality and diversity at the workplace and elsewhere.
Very active in the Ghanaian community
Sir Willie was a founding member of the Ghana Union Finland (GUF), established as a non-governmental organisation in Finland in 1992. He was the President of the organisation from 1992-1994 when it was known as the National Union of Ghanaian Residents in Finland (NUGRIF).
He was a big pillar who played a pivotal role in the many seminars, symposia and other educational events as well as social activities organised by the Union. His wide knowledge and experience has been of immense benefit to the Union and other associations.
Until his demise, Sir Willie was one of the Union’s two Patrons. He was a member of the Union’s Electoral Commission.
In addition, he was a founding member of the Mfantseman Kuw of Finland, which, among other things, stood to bring unity and promote integration in the Finnish society.
A father-figure, a gem
Sir Willie was a father not only to his five biological children—Nana Yaa, Maa Adwoa, Olivia, Emil/Joojo, and Evelyn—but also to many others, as well as being a grandfather to many more and not just the nine grandchildren in his family.
He was one of the few ‘Elders who performed the Ghanaian/traditional naming of a newborn baby. A father, uncle, brother, and a great friend he was to many Ghanaian and African migrants in Finland as well as Finnish friends who equally acknowledged him as someone they could easily relate with.
Sir Willie was a gem, a very peaceful, humble, friendly and affable man who gave immense support to many people. He readily shared his knowledge and experience with others, and was simply a beloved elder “statesman” in the entire Ghanaian migrant community, something that is, indeed, worthy of emulation.
At Christmas celebrations by Ghanaians here, Sir Willie played the Santa Claus, which is very important since it originates from Finland.
A chip of the old block
Sir Willie was active in politics in Finland. On a few occasions, he stood for the Municipal elections although he did not win. It was, therefore, a big consolation and a clear indication of a chip of the old block when his second daughter (Mrs Adwoa Brewu) was voted a Deputy Councillor in the Finnish Municipal elections a few weeks after his demise.
Sir Willie has left a legacy and an impact we will strive to emulate and protect as immigrants in Finland. May he continue to rest peacefully in the Lord till we meet again! Amen!
By Perpetual Crentsil
The writer is a Ghanaian
lecturer at the University of
Helsinki, Finland
Features
Preventing the brain’s melting point with BOS
The human brain is a complex and delicate organ, susceptible to damage from various factors, including extreme temperatures.
The brain’s melting point, also known as the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, is a critical concern for individuals seeking to maintain optimal cognitive function.
Fortunately, the Brain Operating System (BOS) offers a revolutionary solution to prevent the brain’s melting point.
Understanding the brain’s melting point
The brain’s melting point refers to the temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade, leading to irreversible damage.
This temperature threshold varies depending on individual factors, such as age, health, and environmental conditions. However, research suggests that the brain’s melting point is approximately 104°F (40°C) to 107°F (42°C).
The role of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
BOS, a cutting-edge technology, plays a crucial role in preventing the brain’s melting point. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, ensuring that it remains within a safe range.
How BOS prevents the brain’s melting point
BOS prevents the brain’s melting point through several mechanisms:
1. Temperature regulation: BOS continuously monitors brain temperature, adjusting neural activity to maintain a stable temperature.
2. Heat dissipation: BOS enhances heat dissipation through increased blood flow and sweating.
3. Neuro protection: BOS protects neurons from heat-induced damage.
Benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point
The benefits of BOS in preventing the brain’s melting point are numerous:
1. Prevents brain damage: BOS prevents brain damage caused by excessive heat.
2. Maintains cognitive function: BOS ensures optimal cognitive function by maintaining stable brain temperature.
3. Enhances brain resilience: BOS enhances brain resilience to temperature fluctuations.
Real-World applications of BOS
BOS has various real-world applications:
1. High-performance computing: BOS enables high-performance computing by maintaining optimal brain temperature.
2. Medical applications: BOS has medical applications, such as treating heat-related illnesses.
3. Space exploration: BOS is crucial for space exploration, where extreme temperatures pose a significant risk.
Conclusion
BOS is a revolutionary technology that prevents the brain’s melting point, ensuring optimal cognitive function and overall well-being. By leveraging advanced neural interfaces and artificial intelligence, BOS monitors and regulates brain temperature, protecting against heat-related damage.
Glossary:
1. BOS: Brain Operating System.
2. Brain’s melting point: Temperature threshold beyond which brain tissue begins to degrade.
3. Neural interface: Connects human brain with digital devices.
Contact Information
virginvtech@yahoo.com
Additional resources:
1. BOS research: Explore scientific studies.
2. Neural interface resources: Discover books and articles.
3. Brain-computer interface communities: Join online forums.
Future directions
As BOS technology continues to evolve, we can expect:
1. Improved temperature regulation: Enhanced temperature regulation mechanisms.
2. Increased cognitive enhancement: Advanced cognitive enhancement capabilities.
3. Expanded applications: New applications in various fields.
By harnessing the power of BOS, individuals can safeguard their brain health and maintain optimal cognitive function, even in extreme environments.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
Lotto wahala and Tuobodom palaver
In Sikaman lotto is not a game. It is a profession, a noble career which people aspire to. It is the highest paying profession after armed robbery and the most widespread job on this side of the Atlantic.
In places like China, lotto is a disease that has no cure. Once you are infected, no doctor on earth can cure you. May be Kofi Larteh, Ghana’s most celebrated magician, can help ease the symptoms, but no definitive cure will be forthcoming.
Coming back to Sikaman, lotto has been the financial messiah of many. That is how people look after their large families, pay school fees, marry two wives and do their own ‘monkey things.’
If you are very poor and you win a lottery, chances are that you will die before you even collect the money. You’ll die out of excitement or you’ll start day-dreaming in the streets and an articulated truck will hit you.
As such, very heavy wins are not recommended for poor people, lest they get listed too soon in the obituary columns.
The sad story is told of a heavy-duty caterpillar driver who had a very heavy lotto windfall of several millions, his first big win after several years.
CATERPILLAR
He was driving the caterpillar home when he saw his son running towards him, shouting. “All your numbers have dropped! All your numbers have dropped! He could not believe his ears.
All the four numbers he had staked had dropped and his son, who had gone to stake them for him, was himself over-excited. The poor caterpillar man just could not handle the good news. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and the caterpillar jolted him a trifle too violently, throwing him off. He landed right in front of the still moving heavy-duty machine and it crushed him flat.
I don’t think the bloke would have died if he had won a smaller amount. Sometimes too much cash is not good for the health.
Seldom, people get too confident and that can also result in a wake-keeping, like that of a man who used his lifetime savings and borrowed extra money to crack the machine with a two-sure that the compiler must compulsory drop or the world will end.
Even the shadows of the numbers or their counterparts were nowhere near the winning numbers. His shock-absorbers crumbled under the weight of the heavy disappointment. He crashed to the floor and started foaming at the mouth. He was declared dead on arrival at the nearest clinic.
WINDFALL
Recently, there was a countrywide lotto windfall, and in Kumasi it was more than a festival. Most stakers had between ¢30m and ¢40 million on two-sure that the lotto magicians had predicted at least three weeks earlier,
Kejetia chop bars were besieged with overnight millionaires, carrying huge appetites induced by Opeimu Bitters popularly called Opeimu Peters. All the meat and mudfish got sold out within an hour and procurement agents had to double up to restock.
While some were celebrating, others were weeping and gnashing teeth. The problem was that, three weeks beforehand, the two sure numbers were declared by all the lotto sorcerers, dreamers, magicians, tellers and all the self-appointed and self-promoted forecasters.
Everybody including 10-year-olds, who staked and lost. The following week, they were advised to continue staking. The faithful did continue but the faithless stopped. All of them lost. In the third week or so, a good number of confident stakers had lost faith in the two numbers. That was when the number landed.
So the windfall was for only those who had the unshakeable faith in the numbers. See what faith can do? It can move dollars. Don’t waver, so saith the holy scriptures.
The faithless indeed gnashed teeth. The winners on the other hand celebrated with a song that is as controversial as the business of lotto. It is a song played by the group called Nkasei and has something to do with a town in the Brong Ahafo Region called Tuobodom whose capital we hear is Jinijini.
I hear it is a derogatory song and the queen mother of Tuobodom got charged and breathed out electric current during her protest on air. She allegedly ended up demanding a mobile phone from Nkasei so that she could communicate with them to settle the matter peacefully, lest wahala.
Well, the song is rising up the charts and Nkasei are making the dough, but should it be at the expense of a whole townsfolk, their forebears and generations to come?
WATERPROOF
Waterproof, the famous comedian, was allegedly given hefty slaps at the Kumasi rail station by some Frafra jingoists who felt he was deriding their tribe. And Bob Okala had to run with his tail between his legs when he was confronted and realised that slaps were going to be visited on his lean face.
Let’s not use words and lyrics to cause discomfort to others.
This article was first published on Saturday July 9, 2005
