Features
A global wake-up call: calling the nations to repentance
In a world grappling with unprecedented challenges, a clarion call resonates across the globe: “Calling the nations to repentance.” This urgent appeal transcends borders, cultures, and creeds, beckoning humanity to confront its collective conscience and embark on a path of transformation.
The need for repentance is starkly evident. Nations have repeatedly prioritised self-interest over the greater good, perpetuating injustices, exploiting resources, and imperiling the planet.
The consequences are stark: deepening inequalities, ravaged ecosystems, and a sense of disconnection and despair.
Repentance is not merely a religious concept but a universal imperative. It demands that we confront our mistakes, acknowledge the harm caused, and commit to meaningful change.
This collective reckoning is not about assigning blame but about assuming responsibility for our actions and their impact.
As nations, we must repent for:
1. Systemic injustices and oppression
2. Environmental degradation and climate change
3. Economic inequalities and exploitation
4. Political polarisation and divisiveness
5. Cultural insensitivity and erasure
By acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking forgiveness, we can:
1. Heal historical wounds and reconcile with our past
2. Foster a culture of accountability and transparency
3. Embrace sustainable and equitable practices
4. Promote social justice and human rights
5. Unite as a global community, working together for the greater good
This call to repentance is not a cry of despair but a beacon of hope. It invites us to reimagine our world, to redefine our values, and to rebirth a new era of cooperation and harmony.
Let us heed this call, nations and individuals alike, and embark on a journey of transformation, toward a brighter, more just, and sustainable future for all.
The call to repentance is a summons to nations and individuals to engage in a process of deep reflection, self-examination, and transformation. It involves:
1. Acknowledging the harm caused by our actions and policies
2. Apologising and making amends when possible
3. Reforming systems and institutions that perpetuate injustice and inequality
4. Embracing sustainable and equitable practices
5. Cultivating empathy, compassion, and unity
This process requires courage, humility, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It involves:
1. Listening to marginalised voices and amplifying their stories
2. Confronting historical traumas and ongoing injustices
3. Challenging dominant narratives and power structures
4. Embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity
5. Seeking wisdom from indigenous cultures and traditional knowledge
By answering this call to repentance, we can:
1. Heal historical wounds and reconcile with our past
2. Foster a culture of accountability and transparency
3. Protect the environment and ensure a livable future
4. Promote social justice and human rights
5. Unite as a global community, working together for the greater good
This is a call to collective action, a summons to co-create a world that values compassion, justice, and the well-being of all people and the planet. Let us respond with courage, hope, and determination, and embark on this journey of transformation together.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Conflict at work is more common than you might think. According to 2022 research by The Myers-Briggs Company, more than a third of the workforce reports dealing with conflict often, very often, or all the time in the workplace. The same report found that managers spend an average of four hours per week dealing with conflict, and nearly 25 per cent of people think their managers handle conflict poorly or very poorly.
Addressing a dispute might feel tense or awkward, but resolving the conflict is typically well worth it in the long run. Whether you’re trying to mediate conflict between colleagues or are directly involved, here are seven steps you can take to manage workplace conflict.
1. Don’t put it off
Facing conflict head-on is hard. However, waiting too long to address it can negatively impact your emotional well-being, focus, and the entire office environment. If you’re feeling angry, letting that emotion fester can also escalate it over time. This can make you less responsive to other points of view and make it harder to resolve the issue.
The sooner you can address the conflict, the better it will be for you, the person you disagree with, and your entire team.
2. Learn all you can about the problem
It’s important to determine the type of conflict you’re dealing with. Begin by considering the cause of the conflict. For example, ask yourself whether someone said something that upset you or if you have emotions of anger and resentment that stemmed from something that happened.
Then try to identify if it’s a task, relationship, value, or team conflict. Once you know what type of conflict it is, you can work to resolve it with specific tactics for that situation.
If you skip this step, you may waste time or escalate the situation further by trying to address issues irrelevant to the real conflict.
3. Actively listen
Listen attentively when people share their side of the story. Active listening is one of the most valuable professional skills you can possess. This type of listening involves not only hearing what the other person is saying but also listening to understand their point of view.
No matter your role in conflict, it’s easy to begin sharing your opinion with little regard for the other people involved. However, it’s important to learn about all sides of a disagreement to make well-informed decisions before drawing conclusions.
To reach a resolution, you must step back and prioritize listening over talking. Ultimately, that will encourage the other person to do the same when it’s your turn to speak. –source: betterup.com
Today, I focus on the Temple Of Praise Ministries International (TOP Church) in Helsinki, as I continue my description of personalities or institutions and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The TOP Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments that must be made known to the public. 
Some history
The Church was established in Finland in September 2016. Since its inception, it has steadily grown both spiritually and numerically, by the grace of God, as disclosed to me by Mr Matthew Anini Twumasi, the Presiding Elder of TOP’s branch in Finland. The TOP Church has other branches across Africa, Europe, and America.
The Church in Finland was founded with a vision to create a welcoming and dynamic community where people could experience God’s love and grace (see, www.topchurchfinland.org). According to Presiding Elder Matthew, the TOP Church operates within a unique environment where Christianity coexists with what is seen as a largely secular society.
Despite this, he submits, there are significant opportunities for outreach, unity, and demonstrating the love of Christ through service and community engagement.
Activities
Church services at the TOP Church are typically held on Sundays for the main worship. In addition, there are mid-week prayer sessions, Saturday prayer services, and a half-night service held on the last Friday of every month. “We also organise quarterly programs”, Elder Matthew added.
His impression of the Church so far has been positive. “It is a vibrant and welcoming community where members are committed to worship, fellowship, and supporting one another in faith”, he stated.
In sum, Elder Matthew said the Church continues to grow by God’s grace. “We remain hopeful and committed to spreading the Gospel, strengthening the faith of our members, and making a positive impact in society”, he continued.
Achievements
The TOP Church has a number of achievements and achievements. Some of the strengths include strong community bonds, cultural diversity, and deep commitment to spiritual growth.
I also remember that during the COVID-19 period, I heard that the TOP Church was one such bodies that hugely supported its members and others to cope with the situation.
According to Elder Matthew, the challenges facing the church include “adapting to cultural differences, engaging the younger generation, expanding outreach in a secular society, and securing a permanent place of worship”.
Role in the Ghanaian community in Finland
The TOP Church plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
Thus, the TOP Church is a religious body for Ghanaian migrants in Finland and other nationalities who want to worship with them for diversity and better intercultural and multicultural understanding.
The Church also has mechanisms in place to support its members who are bereaved as a way to commiserate with them in times of death and funerals.
The Ghanaian community has played a vital role in the growth of the Church. Their strong sense of fellowship, dedication to worship, and active participation have helped build a solid foundation and attract others to the ministry, according to Elder Matthew.
Integration
By its activities, the TOP Church is helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society.
This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process.
The role of migrant associations and groups such as TOP Church acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
GHANA MATTERS column appears fortnightly. Written in simple, layman’s terms, it concentrates on matters about Ghana and beyond. It focuses on everyday life issues relating to the social, cultural, economic, religious, political, health, sports, youth, gender, etc. It strives to remind us all that Ghana comes first. The column also takes a candid look at the meanings and repercussions of our actions, especially those things we take for granted or even ignore. There are key Ghanaian values we should uphold rather than disregard with impunity. We should not overlook the obvious. We need to search for the hidden or deeply embedded values and try to project them.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
