Ibrahim in class teaching refugees. Inset: on the soccer field.
Ibrahim Alhassan Gomda, a Ghanaian, is now an icon in Sweden where he combines the teaching of refugees Swedish with the playing of soccer.
Ibrahim fondly called Barhama left the shores of Ghana in 2013 for Stockholm where he spent less than the usual fifteen months to learn Swedish – a feat which attracted the authorities’ attention. They found his feat and spirit of integration worthy of emulation by others. The rather slow pace of learning Swedish among other foreigners, some professionals, has been a source of concern among the local authorities; their obsession for integration non-negotiable.
Barhama is currently in Accra for holidays and during a chat with the DAILY GUIDE, he said “the Swedes are very nationalistic and even when they understand English they would only tolerate you for a while by communicating with you in that language. After sometime they would expect you to speak their language.”
Barhama said his club has links with the local community-Hudiksvall – relationship through which the integration has been given a boost.
Barhama disclosed that he used seven months to learn to read and write Swedish passing the culminating examination excellently. The authorities were so fascinated that he soon became an icon; engaged to teach refugees from Syria and others Swedish.
Discovering his potentials “they started using me for their integration programme, something very dear to their hearts. Refugees who are accepted by the Swede authorities must begin the process of integration of which learning the Swedish language is a critical component.”
“I am used as an icon to show the refugees that they can learn the language as I have. Everywhere I go people know me; the television stations playing a role in the publicity I have had. Every area has its own television station,” he said.
On the chances of further refugees entering Sweden, he said “the rules are tighter and almost impossible for refugees to enter the country whose population he puts at around 9 million.”
The Swedes are hospitable, he said, adding that “there is little or no racism. Sweden is a home away from home. Ghana can learn a lot from that country. There is zero tolerance for lateness. When you turn up late for an appointment you attract disrespect from others. Third time lateness would attract punitive action.”
Soccer, he said, is what has opened opportunities for him in Sweden. His good conduct is reflecting in the deference for Ghana in the Scandinavian country.
By A.R. Gomda