Features
Significance of World Standards Day
Throughout the world, standards play a critical role in the socio-economic development of humankind for which reason life continues to see great improvements in all aspects of life. It is standards that make it possible for durable products to be produced and also ensure that goods produced are satisfactory and of high quality.
In the area of agriculture for example, relevant applicable standards make it possible for the most appropriate soils to be identified for use for crops to ensure high productivity. In the industrial sector also, standards make it possible for durable and satisfactory products to be produced or manufactured to satisfy the tastes of consumers.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
In the same way, when it comes to the building and construction industry, the materials used are carefully selected in line with appropriate standards so that the buildings that are put up can withstand all kinds of pressures including earthquakes.
In commerce and trade, the taste of consumers come into play so standards help to produce only quality products to meet the taste of consumers thus the application of relevant standards is needed in all aspects of human life.
GUARANTEE SAFETY
Standards are applied to guarantee public health, public safety and the protection of the environment. They help to guarantee the health of people in all parts of the world as well as the safety of mankind for example vehicles and aircraft are able to perform their functions efficiently when standards are applied.
In the same way, the environment in which we live is adequately protected because of application of standards. Without the application of standards, there would be chaos, disorderliness and underdevelopment which would make it difficult for mankind to live satisfactorily in the world.
SIGNIFICANCE
It is in view of the significance of applicable standards that World Standards Day is celebrated on October 14 every year. The importance of the occasion lies in the fact that it makes it possible for experts of standards to be honoured throughout the world.
These experts contribute to standards development through the contributions they make towards the work of various standards institutions or bodies throughout the world. World Standards Day again serves as an occasion which draws attention of the world to the need to apply standards in everything we do, namely, the building of aircraft and shipping lines, design and construction of vehicles, drug manufacturing, preservation of medicine, the transportation sector and many other sectors.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The theme for the celebration of this year’s World Standards Day is “Standards for Sustainable Development Goals”. This theme focuses on the fact that we need a world that calls for better, fairer and more sustainable development.
It is only when we fight for sustainable development that our present and future generations can be guaranteed meaningful life on this earth.
FUTURE GENERATIONS
For example, if certain individuals use illegal mining to enrich themselves and destroy the environment, our present and future generations would be denied meaningful life in the world. What this means is that, we all need to work hard to make it possible for life in this world to be enjoyed today and protected for future generations.
The Sustainable Development Goals represent a shared vision for peace and prosperity, for all people and for the planet. Every Sustainable Development Goal is a call for action but we can only attain our purpose if we work together.
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Standards offer practical solutions that we can all stand behind or support. When we apply standards, we become part of the solution we are all seeking.
The world is faced with a number of problems including the havoc brought about by COVID-19 but solutions can only be found when we work together through the application of standards in the global community.
Standards, development and promotion is undertaken by National Standards Bodies in collaboration with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
INAPPROPORIATE STANDARDS
Many of the problems we face in society today stem from none application of relevant standards. The production of substandard medicine does not help to solve our ailment problem. Similarly, the collapse of buildings in various parts of the country and also other parts of the world come from non application of standards.
The fruits we eat, if not produced according to standards, create trial health problems for our people. To overcome our socioeconomic challenges, we should not just produce things anyhow but rather undertake production in line with application of relevant standards. This is the only way to overcome our health challenges, safety of people and also problems the environment faces.
Let us support the application of relevant standards in all sectors of the economy and make our shared vision for good life a reality.
Email address/whatsApp number of author:
Pradmat201@gmail.com (0553318911)
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
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
