Features
When the Spanish Embassy in Ghana decides to ‘misbehave’
The Spanish Embassy in Ghana seems to be ‘manufacturing’ a deadly ‘virus-culture’ in its ‘laboratory’ within the Embassy.
Reportedly, it began ‘test-experimentation’ of the ‘manufacture’ of the ‘virus-culture’ for eventual ‘propagation’, many months ago.
Strangely but luckily, however, the ‘gas-laden’ ‘virus-culture’ seems to be ‘leaking’ only within the Spanish Embassy.
Analysts predict with certainty that if the ‘gas-laden’ ‘virus-culture’ ‘escapes’ from the Embassy to announce its presence in the adjoining Ghanaian community, there will, surely, be ‘conflagration’.
“And the ‘conflagration’ will consume the entire Spanish Embassy building,” the analysts added.
The analysts are, therefore, urging the Spanish Embassy to quickly abandon the ‘test-experimentation’ of the ‘gas-laden’ ‘virus-culture’; warning that “if it escapes into the Ghanaian community, the monumental explosion it will cause, will be extremely difficult to comprehend .”
The analysts remind the Spanish Embassy:”The Vienna Convention is very much alive but look at how the buildings of the Bulgarian Embassy and the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana were illegally demolished in broad daylight.
“If you intentionally attempt to toy with Ghanaian traditions, culture and family values, you do so at your own peril.”
Readers, the analysts liken the hyperbolic ‘test-experimentation’ of the ‘gas-laden’ ‘virus-culture’ in the Spanish Embassy to same-sex marriages; being promoted and sponsored by the Embassy and its likely consequences.
Reportedly, the Spanish Embassy is feverishly getting ready to “bless” and “celebrate” same-sex marriages within the Embassy building, citing the Vienna Convention as its ‘Principal Witness’ and ‘Certificate of Authorisation’.
Consequently, the Spanish Embassy has written to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, emphatically stating that it is more than ready to “bless” and “celebrate” same-sex marriages at the Embassy.
Refreshingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has re-stated Ghana’s position to the Embassy on same-sex marriages; in line with our country’s laws, traditions, culture and family values.
Indeed, homosexual conduct is criminalised by Ghana’s criminal laws. Section 104(1) (b) of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) abhors consensual same-sex intercourse and prohibits it.
So, it is very clear that a consensual same-sex relation is a criminal offence within the meaning of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act.
As a matter of fact, the only mode of sexual intercourse which does not offend Ghanaian law is sexual intercourse through the vagina by penile penetration.
Strangely, Ghana and many other African countries are now witnessing the intrusion of rotten and stinking European and American culture of homosexuality. And homosexuality is gradually becoming a cult; a club and a foundation.
The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and a very active anti-LGBTQ+ advocate, Mr Sam Nartey George, reminds the Spanish Embassy:”Be minded that you are simply guests”, adding, “I wonder why you are not pushing your perverse agenda in Togo, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.”
The European Union in Ghana has openly thrown its weight behind the LGBTQ+ promoters in the country, claiming that equality, tolerance and respect for one another are core values of the European Union.
Strong opposition against the emerging LGBTQ+ community in the country is gaining tap-roots. They include the clergy, traditional rulers and teacher unions. They strongly argue that homosexuality is not a rights issue.
The Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Mr Moses Foh-Amoaning, says:”Ghana has not signed any international law permitting the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities in the country.”
He stresses:”Any attempt by anyone to promote activities of the LGBTQ+ group in the country, amounts to illegality.”
Mr Foh-Amoaning has chastised the international community in Ghana, “for promoting an act which is alien to the customs and traditions of Ghanaians and which infringes on the sovereignty of our state.”
The President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Professor Paul Frimpong Manso also says:”The actions of the LGBTQ+ group are completely at variance with the laws of God as contained in the Holy Bible, concerning God’s plan of creation and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman and as ordained by God.”
Reportedly, a huge amount of $200 million is said to have been voted to promote LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
According to Mr Foh-Amoaning; “the $200 million funding forms part of a backdoor approach to sponsor LGBTQ+ activities in the country.”
Beneficiaries of the $200 million funding are said to be vocal groups, individuals and institutions in the country.
The belief in proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values is ‘notoriously’ overwhelming amongst the entire citizenry.
Mr Nathaniel Mensah, a Senior High School English Language teacher says:”People are ever ready to lay siege around the Spanish Embassy to ‘arrest’ and ‘discipline’ same-sex culprits, if they dare the people of Ghana.”
According to him; “if the Spanish Embassy disobeys our Foreign Ministry, they will have themselves to blame, because nobody can protect the embassy.”
Readers, Mr Mensah’s views seem to tally with that of the analysts and the hyperbolic ‘test-experimentation’ of the ‘gas-laden’ ‘virus-culture’ in the Spanish Embassy.
So, over to you, the Spanish Embassy !!!
Contact email/ WhatsApp of the author: asmahfrankg@gmail.com (0505556179)
By G. Frank Asmah
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
