Features
Regulating income from the gold sector
The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) has taken a bold step
to regulate and control gold export in the country
Ghana is entirely endowed with numerous gold deposits and as a result of this, substantial income has been derived from gold mining to finance numerous developmental projects in the various sectors of the economy.
Some of the developmental projects are building of schools, construction of roads, extension of water supply, health facilities in various parts of the country and the construction of houses, among others.
GOLD EXPORTED OUTSIDE
The mining of gold in the country has been ongoing for over 100 years so when it comes to gold deposits, it has helped the country substantially in its developmental projects.
In spite of this, the exact value or the amount of gold exported outside the country is not known because of certain problems that make it difficult for its exact estimated values. It is in light of this that as a country, we need to take steps to ensure that the exact amount and value of gold exported outside the country is known.
ILLEGAL MINING
Legal and illegal mining take place in the country even though government is taking steps to stop illegal mining.
Government has made it clear that it is not against the mining of gold but rather the illegal manner in which the activity is carried out. This explains why programmes have been rolled out to provide alternative employment for all illegal miners so that they will be encouraged to stop the illegal activity.
REGULATE AND CONTROL
The time has come for the state to take steps to regulate and control all activities related to gold mining so that the exact quantity and value exported out of the country can be known.
This will help in the developmental plans of the country as far as gold mining is concerned.
NEW DIRECTIVE
The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) has taken a bold step to regulate and control gold export in the country. The company has directed that beginning October 2022, gold licence holders are mandated to file monthly returns on all gold purchases in the country.
This new directive is in line with the PMMC’s efforts and mandate –- as the sole assayer of gold in the country –- to sanitise, improve and properly regulate the downstream sector of the precious minerals industry.
GOVERNMENT OBJECTIVE
It is also in line with government’s objective to make Ghana a responsible sourcing hub for gold. The directive, which forms part of a review of certain terms and conditions for the sector by the PMMC, will be closely monitored and evaluated – with defaulting licence holders risking non-renewal of their licences.
The gold sector ought to be properly regulated by the PMMC to enable the country to know the exact quantity of gold it is exporting. If this is not done, part of the money derived from gold mining and export will get into wrong hands instead of state coffers for our common developmental agenda.
COLLABORATION
However, to achieve this, the PMMC will have to collaborate with other agencies where necessary so that the attainment of the maximum result for the country will be smoothly effected.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is properly placed for accurate measurement of the quantity of gold being exported outside the country. Close collaboration with this organisation can, therefore, help the country to know the exact amount of gold exported as well as their value.
QUALITY & QUANTITY DETERMINATION
The cocoa sector, for example, is regulated by the COCOBOD but it collaborates with the GSA to determine the quantity and quality of cocoa beans exported out of the country.
Similarly, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) is responsible for non-traditional exports but it also collaborates closely with the GSA to guarantee quality for the non-traditional export.
ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
As a country, we cannot look on while the exact quantity of gold exported is not known. If the exact quantity is not known because of illegal activities and inaccurate measurements, then the exact amount of money derived from this activity cannot be known by the state at this time when much revenue is needed to undertake numerous developmental projects for the people.
The PMMC should be supported and encouraged by everyone in the country but they need to seek collaboration with the GSA to guarantee the livelihood and welfare of the present and future generations in this country.
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
Email address/whatsApp number of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
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
