Features
The just-ended NPP national delegates conference held at the Accra Sports Stadium
• President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (middle) with the new NPP
National Executives Inset: A section of the
delegates at the conference
The new Patriotic Party (NPP) has always used the electoral principle for the selection of its officers to serve on various capacities in the party. Beginning from the polling station as well as all the constituency and regional levels, the party has successfully carried out internal elections to select the candidates to serve.
The just-ended delegates conference dealt with officers who are to serve at the national level including the position of National Chairman, General Secretary, Women’s Organiser and Nasara Coordinator, among others
The electoral principle adopted by the party as is done elsewhere is good for a number of reasons. In the first place, it allows candidates to freely offer themselves for selection by the party delegates. Additionally, it ensures that the delegates are given the chance to freely select candidates who, in their view, are qualified and fit to play different roles in the party.
Again, the electoral system helps to prevent the imposition of candidates on the party. By preventing imposition of candidates on the party,members are always encouraged to come out freely to support all programmes and activities organised by the selected officers. In addition to all this, the electoral principle brings about openness, transparency and helps to promote unity among family (party) members.
The just-ended conference was well organised. The choice of the Accra Sports Stadium was good because the venue was able to accommodate all the delegates as well as the party leaders and officials invited to carry out certain activities. This ensured that the atmosphere was condusive for the purpose of party political activities.
In the same way, the security of delegates was also ensured. In all, about 3,000 policemen came to provide security at the Accra Sports Stadium. The security was important because it guaranteed protection of the party officials and members from being attacked by any unscrupulous persons who may want to come in and create problems.
The officers from Electoral Commission who came to supervise the elections also played their role well so at the end of it all, the conference proved to be very successful. The success has sent positive signals not only to all parts of this country about good political party organisation but also to other parts of Africa and even the rest of the world. It has gone to re-enforce the view that the democratic credentials of Ghana regarding political party activities grow from strength to strength, making it enviable for the rest of the world
The nature of the campaign required by candidates who offered themselves for the elections was laborious because being a national election, each candidate was expected to go round all the 16 regions of Ghana and mount their campaign to solicit support for their election and re-election. At the end of the day, some of the candidates won the election but others were not fortunate enough to win. It was an endeavour meant to select the best candidates for the various positions declared by the party.
For this reason, all victorious officers ought to extend a hand of friendship in line with the desire for unity to all candidates who were not successful. This is important because it is an internal party affair that must not be allowed to degenerate into party disunity and destruction.
Similarly, all those who participated in the elections must know that they are one people belonging to the same political stock who are vying for victory in 2024. It is, therefore, important for the new chairman, Mr. Steve Ayesu Ntim as well as the General Secretary Mr Justin Frimpong Kodua and all other officers who won their positions, to come together for party unity, progress and development for the good of the country. This is how as a country, Ghana can portray itself as a politically mature country with a high degree of tolerance for one another with the NPP as a peaceful political organisation.
By Dr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
Contact email/whatsApp address 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
