tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10243044107660073962024-03-14T04:49:30.833+00:00The Chix FilesYou describe this blog ...Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-4604564077009446172013-03-31T00:21:00.000+00:002013-03-31T00:24:32.419+00:00Of Course Ghana Is Not Kenya<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 20pt;">"<i>Ghana is not Kenya</i>" is one reaction you would hear
whenever you compare the presidential election petitions currently pending
before the Supreme Courts in both countries. "<i>Why not</i>" is an
immediate reaction to the “<i>Ghana is not Kenya</i>” reaction and I can empathise
with that. Both countries are African countries and seem to have taken the path
of democracy. Both countries have made provision in their respective
constitutions for presidential election petitions to be filed in their
respective Supreme Courts to challenge the election of the president. So why can't
Ghana be like Kenya?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">I can also empathise with those who vehemently say, "<i>Ghana
is not Kenya</i>" and indeed, I do empathise with those who react in that
manner but for completely different reasons. I mean how can we even think that
Ghana can be like Kenya. We have to face facts and be honest with ourselves
when comparing the manner in which the Supreme Court in both countries are
dealing with the presidential election petitions before them. In that respect,
Ghana is nowhere near Kenya at all. In fact, Ghana is millions of miles behind
Kenya and we, Ghanaians, ought to be ashamed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">In writing this short piece of article, I have confined myself
to the presidential election petitions before the Supreme Courts in both
countries and the manner in which those petitions are being dealt with. I must
therefore emphasise that this article does not compare the economic success or democratic
success of both countries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Having set out my intentions clearly, it is my opinion that
Ghana is not Kenya because Ghana is far behind Kenya and also because</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">1. Kenya
understands the stakes; Ghana does not<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">This is not the first election dispute being determined by a
court in Kenya. The outcomes of previous election disputes before the courts in
Kenya caused the violence following their last elections. At least 1,200 lives
were lost with thousands more severely injured as a result of the violence. The
loser in that election did not trust the Kenyan courts to deliver justice so
instead of proceeding to court, his supporters and sympathizers went on the
streets and he did not stop them. With this background in mind, the Kenyan Supreme
Court knew what was at stake in the presidential election petitions before
them. The loser in the 2013 elections placed his trust in the Kenyan Supreme
Court to resolve the issues he had with the results declared by the Independent
Electoral Boundaries Commission ("<b>IEBC</b>"). The Justices of the kenyan
Supreme Court knew what was at stake i.e. potential violence and inevitable
loss of lives and injuries, and therefore managed the court with a view of
determining the dispute before them in a fair and speedy manner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">The Justices knew and were reminded by <a href="http://kilonzoadvocates.co.ke/lawyers.html" target="_blank">Ms. Kethi Kilonzo</a> (the
lawyer for <b><a href="http://www.africog.org/" target="_blank">Africa Centre for Open Governance</a></b>) in her submissions that the
dispute before them did not require an interpretation of the constitution or an
interpretation of law but rather an election dispute and same should be treated
as such. Notwithstanding the strict deadlines in the Kenyan constitution
regarding presidential election petitions, there was a sense of urgency
demonstrated by the Chief Justice of Kenya, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willy_Munyoki_Mutunga" target="_blank">His Lordship Dr. Willy Mutunga</a> and
the other Justices of the Kenyan Supreme Court. They wanted to dispose of the
presidential election disputes quickly so that Kenyans could return to their
normal lives and thus treated the dispute before them as an election petition and
not as just another dispute before the Supreme Court.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Similarly, the Petitioners in the Ghanaian Supreme Court have
placed their trust in the Justices of the Supreme Court to determine the
election dispute before them instead of encouraging their supporters and
sympathizers to take to the streets and be violent. Unfortunately, the Ghanaian
justices don't seem to appreciate what is at stake mainly because this presidential
election petition is the first of its kind in Ghana. Also, because we don't
have a history of violence like Kenya has. The presidential election petition
before the Ghanaian Supreme Court is being treated as an ordinary dispute
before the court. There is no sense of urgency on the part of the justices to
dispose of the petition and bring finality to the election that took place on 7
& 8 December 2012. If the Ghanaian justices understood the stakes, the
petition before them would have been long determined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">2. Technology
in the Kenyan Supreme Court<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">One can only admit that the Kenyan Supreme Court is far ahead
when it comes to the use of technology in the delivery of justice. I watched
live proceedings of the Kenyan presidential election petitions on television
right here in Ghana and followed everything going on in the Supreme Court. I did
not have to be physically present in the Kenyan Supreme Court or even in Kenya
to follow this historic presidential election petitions. That is the power of
technology and the Internet. Again, I reiterate that the Kenyan Supreme Court
was very much aware of what was at stake and so did not hesitate to allow the
proceedings to be televised live for all Kenyans who participated in the
election to witness the determination of the disputes that arose therefrom and
indeed allowed the whole world to witness the determination of the
disputes. By taking such a step ensured that Kenyans were not kept in the
dark regarding the presidential election petitions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">In Ghana, the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Georgina Wood, denied
a request made by <a href="http://danquahinstitute.org/" target="_blank">Danquah Institute</a> for the live transmission of the
presidential election petition proceedings on security grounds. But certainly,
if Kenya, a country with a history of violence, can allow television cameras
into the Supreme Court for live transmission of their presidential election
petitions proceedings then respectfully, Her Ladyship Georgina Wood's basis for
refusing live transmission on security grounds can no longer be justified.
Justice Wood's way of ensuring security at the Supreme Court is to swarm its
premises with armed to the teeth policemen and before you enter, you are
stripped of all your electronic gadgets so that you cannot update the rest of
the world whilst the proceedings are going on. And this is the security measure
that I believe cannot be justified. Even more ridiculous is the requirement to
be accredited to enter the Supreme Court, which by the way is open to the
public, whilst the presidential election petition is being heard regardless of
whether you are a lawyer or not. I strongly disagree with Justice Wood on accreditation
as a mode of screening which member of the public gets to witness the
presidential election petition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">All Ghanaians participated in the presidential elections and
ought to witness the final determination of any dispute arising thereof. Only a
few Ghanaians are permitted to witness the presidential election petition. How
can that be possible when the <b>1992 Constitution</b> requires all court proceedings
to be made public? Again, how can that be possible when the <b>Supreme Court
(Amendment) Rules, 2012 (CI 74)</b> states that the presidential election petition
shall be heard in open court? So why then must a Ghanaian be accredited to
witness the presidential election petition? Who are these Ghanaians who have
been accredited? How does an ordinary Ghanaian receive accreditation? Why must
a Ghanaian be accredited to witness a presidential election petition, which
arose from a presidential election he or she participated in? How can we be
certain that there is no discrimination in accrediting persons to witness the
presidential election petition? Members of political parties do not necessarily
represent the interest of the majority of Ghanaians who do not belong to a
political or apolitical Ghanaians. So then why should accreditation be limited
to political parties? There would be no need for these questions if the cameras
were let into the Supreme Court. All Ghanaians would then be able to witness
whatever goes on in the Supreme Court.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Another interesting role technology played in the Kenyan
presidential election petitions was that it quickened the process. The lawyers
indicated in court during the morning session on 26 March 2013 that they would
file their proposed issues with the court during the lunch break. When they
returned for the afternoon session, the proposed issues had been filed and
served on all the lawyers, and it was agreed the proposed issues would be
narrowed down during the morning session on 27 March 2013. The quick filing of
the proposed issues was as a result of e-filing process in the Kenyan Supreme
Court. This means you can file a process and within minutes the process would
be served on the other parties. No wonder all the lawyers were holding their
cell phones (mostly Samsung Galaxy) in court. Also, with iPads and other
tablets mounted before the justices, there is no doubt that they are able to
read whatever had been filed with just a click. If that is not an efficient use
of technology in the courtroom and in the dispensation of justice, then I don't
know what can be clarified as such. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Contrast that with Ghana where paper filing is still the order
of the day. The parties to the presidential election petition are required to
provide their email addresses and indeed they provided their email addresses
but for what? To show that they also use email? Because so far, all processes
have been filed and served through paper and not electronically so again I ask,
for what reason were email addresses required if they were not going to be
used? The Kenyan Supreme Court settled issues in less than 24 hours but the Ghanaian
Supreme Court has taken 18 days and still counting and issues have still not
been settled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">The Kenyans employed the use of audiovisual aids in the
presentation of evidence and when Ms. Kilonza requested to test the audiovisual
aids thirty minutes before the commencement of the morning session on 27 March
2013, the court granted her request. In the Ghanaian presidential election
petition, the 1st Respondent is vehemently opposed to the use of audiovisual
aids in the presentation of evidence. Audiovisual aids by the way include
PowerPoint presentations and playing videos as part of the evidence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Lastly, digital LED timers were used in the courtroom to
restrict the submissions made by the lawyers. The lawyers agreed on the time to
be allocated to each lawyer and they complied with their respective time
allocations. To paraphrase what the lead counsel for Raila Odinga, <a href="http://oraro.co.ke/george-oraro-2/" target="_blank">George Oraro</a>, said when wrapping up his submissions, “<i>I looked up to the clock and
realized that I had two minutes left and therefore knew I had to end my
submissions only to be told my time is up</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">If in the year 2013, the 21<sup>st</sup> Century, the ICT age,
we cannot introduce and efficiently use technology in the dispensation of
justice then I reiterate that Ghana is far behind Kenya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">3. The Chief
Justice of Kenya is the President of Court<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Justice Wood may have her reasons why as Chief Justice of Ghana,
she chose not to sit and preside over the panel to decide this historic
presidential election petition. I am not going to attempt to guess what her
possible reasons may have been. I have however seen her preside over cases and
I admired the manner in which she managed the court to ensure speedy but fair
justice. Maybe, perhaps just maybe, if she were the president of panel hearing
the presidential election petition, the justices would have showed some
enthusiasm in disposing of same quickly. Justice Mutunga and his fellow
justices showed the world that they intended on having the petitions
before them determined within the constitutionally imposed timelines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">4. The conduct
of the lawyers involved<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Anyone who watched the Kenyan presidential election petitions
proceedings will tell you that the conduct of the lawyers is worthy of
commendation and indeed at the end of the hearing, Justice Mutunga commended
members of the bar for their conduct. What therefore is the conduct that was
worthy of commendation? Well, the language used by the lawyers in court was
decorous and civil. They treated each other, even the junior lawyers, with
respect and dignity. The lawyers had a common goal: resolving the presidential
election disputes and doing so quickly within the constitutional time limit.
The lawyers related to each other in a manner, which demonstrated that although
they had a dispute between them, the interest of Kenya was paramount. The
conduct of the lawyers in Kenya greatly reduced tension in the country as the
petitions were being heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Contrast that with the presidential election petition before the
Supreme Court of Ghana. The Petitioners’ lawyers want the dispute resolved
quickly so that Ghanaians can move on with their lives. The Respondents’
lawyers on the other hand intend to delay the process for as long as they can
to frustrate the Petitioners. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has played a
role in allowing this delay to go on by not adhering strictly to the CI 74.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">5. Strict
deadlines<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">Unlike Kenya, Ghana has no constitutional timeline within which
to determine a presidential election petition. This means proceedings in the
presidential election petition can go on for as long as 4 years. No wonder the
Ghanaian justices are not keen on resolving the presidential election dispute
before them and continue to adjourn proceedings sine die (without a firm date).
Many Ghanaians including myself wonder why the drafters of the <b>1992
Constitution</b> and members of the Rules of Court Committee who drafted the
<b>Supreme Court (Amendment) Rules, 2012 (CI 74)</b> did not foresee that any petition
that goes before the Supreme Court to challenge the election of the president
needs to be determined quickly and within a definite time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">The foregoing reasons make it evident and very clear that Ghana
is not like Kenya and that Ghana is far behind Kenya in resolving presidential
election disputes. I end this short article with a quote from the Kenyan
Attorney-General, Githu Muigai, in his submissions before the Kenyan Supreme
Court:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Marker Felt";">“<i>As my Lords are aware as
we speak here today the Supreme Court of Ghana is seised on the election
dispute relating to their election which was undertaken in December and they
are slower than we are and I think we should take a little credit for the sort
of enthusiasm that this court has brought to a timeous disposal of this
matter.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-67503713887177963962013-03-30T09:44:00.000+00:002013-03-30T09:44:10.056+00:00Test In Election Petitions<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The jurisprudence on election petitions make it clear that where there has been substantial non compliance with constitutional provisions and the law, which substantial non compliance affected the outcome of the elections, the results would be overturned. The Petitioners therefore have to show that the Electoral Commission did not comply with the law and that the Electoral Commission's non compliance was substantial and further that the Electoral Commission's substantial non compliance with the law affected the outcome of the 2012 elections. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The law for the 2012 Elections inter alia required biometric verification prior to voting and that presiding officers must sign the pink sheets. The Petitioners allege that the Electoral Commission did not comply with the requirement of biometric verification prior to voting thereby allowing 743,415 votes to be added to the total valid votes, which votes are invalid and ought to have been disregarded in the final tally. The Petitioners also allege that the Electoral Commission did not comply with the requirement that all pink sheets must be signed by the presiding officer and thereby allowed 751,528 votes to be added to the total valid votes, which votes were invalid and ought to have also been disregarded in the final tally. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Petitioners must also demonstrate that the addition of these invalid votes, amongst others, substantially affected the outcome of the 2012 presidential elections. According to the Petitioners, the non compliance with the law by the Electoral Commission was substantial and affected the outcome of the 2012 elections in that if the alleged irregularities are removed, the 1st Petitioner ought to have been declared President of Ghana with 59.69% of the valid votes cast. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That in my opinion satisfies the test in election petitions, subject to evidentiary proof.</div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-68707301575074710732013-03-24T13:13:00.000+00:002013-03-24T13:29:54.044+00:00Loud Hosannas to our King<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We usually stayed up all afternoon on Saturday
weaving palm branches for Palm Sunday. We will take our time trying to weave
uniquely styled palm branches so that our palm branches will stand out the next
morning at church. This was one activity our mother will not scold us for
engaging in and indeed on most occasions, she will join and teach us new
styles. When God finally blessed us with Sunday morning, we would rise or our
mother would wake us quite early and we would run into our garden and sometimes
into our neighbours’ gardens and pluck the freshest and most beautiful flowers
therein and stick them in our palm branches. How joyful we were to see brightly
coloured flower petals sticking out from our green palm branches. We would
arrive at church feeling proud about our palm branches only to realize that
other children had been engaged in similar and sometimes better creativity and
weaving.<br /><br />Palm Sunday is arguably the best Sunday in the
life of children regardless of their religion. At church, we would sing and
dance and wave our palm branches and palm fronds joyously without a care in the
world. The Sunday school on Palm Sunday was also special. Sunday school ended
early and we would take the brass bands and trumpets and together with our
Sunday school teachers take to the streets of Accra, singing “<i>Loud Hosannas to Our King</i>.” It was such
fun.<br /><br />I reminisced the foregoing experience in church
last year and realized that being a child in Ghana on Palm Sunday was the
amazing experience any child could ask for. Such celebration and hosanna
singing and palm branch weaving are no longer done. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hardly see children and
their Sunday school teachers take to the streets like we used to. I don’t see
the brightly decorated palm branches I used to see when I was growing up as a
child. It’s all gone.<br /><br />But today, I was surprised. It is Palm Sunday and
I attended Mount Olivet Methodist Church because it is closer to home. I didn’t
see anything spectacular like I usually did as a child. All I saw was the usual
single palm fronds and boringly woven palm branches. Again, nothing like I used
to see when I was growing up as a boy. Until, after offertory, tons of
children, out of nowhere stormed the church waving palm branches woven with
style and decorated with flowers singing “<i>Loud
Hosannas to our King</i>.” The pastor and the entire congregation remained on
their feet singing with the children and as we sang, more children entered the
church and filled the walkways and the front of the church. It was so beautiful.
The hymn was repeated and repeated with joy and smiles amongst the
congregation. Children, who sat on their mother’s laps, leaped and joined the
other children to sing loud hosannas. And the children surprisingly waved beautifully
woven palm branches to my astonishment.<br /><br />As we sang the hymn repeatedly for about 20
minutes, I realized the children of Mount Olivet Methodist Church and their
Sunday school teachers had brought back memories from my childhood. I enjoyed
every bit of it. A kind woman sitting next to me handed me a palm frond to join
in the celebration. I believe in that brief moment, the Holy Spirit whispered
to me and asked me to share what was whispered with the rest of the world. Many
believers often overlook the significance of Palm Sunday.<br /><br />From our childhood, we are told that Palm Sunday
marks Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Jesus knew he was going to
Jerusalem to die. He knew the suffering he was going to go through by going to
Jerusalem. He knew He was going to be beaten, ridiculed, spat on, abused,
injured, disgraced, put to shame and killed but he still went to Jerusalem. The
importance of Palm Sunday lies in the fact that even in the face of all these
adversities Jesus knew were going to befall Him, He celebrated his entrance
into Jerusalem. People rejoiced and laid their clothes on the ground as He
passed by. I don’t know what you many be going through at this very moment but
I know it is nothing close to what Jesus knew He would be going through in
Jerusalem. Yet, Jesus was happy. I was reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “<i>In every thing give thanks: for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.</i>” Even in our times of trouble,
we ought to give thanks to God for there is always something greater for us
after the trouble and the trouble only prepares us for the greater thing
thereafter.<br /><br />So join me today, as a child of modern days and sing
the famous Hymn Number 837 of the Methodist Hymn Book titled <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQLeBEZ_Jyg">Children of Jerusalem</a>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Children of Jerusalem</i></div>
<i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sang the praise of Jesus’ name:</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Children, too, of modern days</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Join to sing the Savior’s praise.</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Refrain</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hark, hark, hark!</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>While infant voices sing,</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hark, hark, hark!</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>While infant voices sing</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Loud hosannas, loud hosannas,</i></div>
</i><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Loud h</i><i>osannas to our King.</i></div>
</i></span><br />
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-57695031226302395442013-03-06T20:17:00.000+00:002013-03-06T20:19:55.128+00:00Ghana as a Father at 56 Years<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
<o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
<o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This year, I made up my mind that
I was not going to write any blog, post, article, note or whatever you may call
sharing one’s thoughts on an issue, regarding Ghana’s 56<sup>th</sup> independence
anniversary. My reason was that the posts, articles and blogs, etc on Ghana’s
independence anniversary have always had the same themes. Even the ones
criticizing Ghana have the same themes. And they all have the same quotes (“the
Independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up to the total
liberation of the African continent,” “the black man is capable of handling his
own affairs”) and shower praises on Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, most of which he
honestly deserves. I even wrote one of such articles titled “<u><a href="http://www.thechixfiles.com/2010/03/independence-of-ghana-is-still.html">The Independence Of Ghana Is Still Meaningless
Unless …</a></u>” in 2010 when Ghana celebrated its 53<sup>rd</sup>
independence anniversary and upon reading a copy, which was posted on <u><a href="http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=178029">GhanaWeb</a></u>, I find that the content is
still relevant today as it was 3 years ago when I wrote it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I changed my mind about
writing or perhaps, I should admit that my mind would simply not allow me not
to write. It decided to wander and proposed to me: “why don’t you compare Ghana
to a living being? Compare Ghana to a human being who is 56 years old. Consider
that perspective.” So I will; and I want you to join me in doing so. </div>
<a name='more'></a>Ghana is
56 years today and if it was a hard working human being, he will be nearing his
pension unless Ghana is an entrepreneur, business man, etc but unfortunately,
he is not. Since his birth on 6<sup> </sup>March 1957, Ghana has had its
troubles in life just like all other human beings. It encountered some ups and
downs, and finally in 1992 took the decision to take up a job in the Office of
Constitutionalism and Democracy (the “OCD”).<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Ghana has been working at the OCD
for the past 21 years and will soon be retiring in 4 years. Ghana has about 25
million children and like every responsible father, he is required to ensure
that all his children are taken care. What is interesting is that Ghana’s 25
million children love him so dearly and are prepared to die for him. I happen
to be one of such proud children. However, as a child, I looked up to my father
for direction in life and to be quite honest the direction in which my father
is heading is worrying. I am about 20 something years old now and would soon be
taking care of my father so I have cause to worry about my father’s direction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We happen to be in an ICT age
where we spend almost all our time on computers and other electronic gadgets.
Computers and electronic gadgets are powered by electricity. In 2013, and in my
father’s 56<sup>th</sup> year, he has been unable to provide his children with
constant electricity supply to power our gadgets and to ensure that those of us
with businesses can contribute to the family wealth; and also to be competitive
on the global stage. Instead, our father has been lying to us through his
messengers, or his messengers have been lying to us. Either way we are always
being lied to. We call our father’s messenger, the president. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the last 21 years since our
father joined the OCD, we have been experiencing irregular electricity supply
and every year his messenger comes and tells us that the problem will be
solved. As for our father’s current messenger, I think he has a degree in
“Lyingcology” because he is so good at telling lies. At the time he was
applying for the job of messenger, we were experiencing erratic power cuts so
we asked him about it and he told us that it would be over by 15<sup> </sup>November
2012. Today is 6 March 2013 and we are experiencing even worse power cuts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When some of us complain about
our father’s inability to provide us with constant electricity to be able to
compete with the rest of the world, some of my brothers and sisters say we
should not complain because providing our basic needs is irrelevant to judging
how successful our father has been. In addition to failing to provide us with
constant electricity supply, our father has decided to ration the so-called
clean water we have been enjoying. And even the water that we are supposed to
be rationing as my father’s children is not even clean. Last Saturday, my
sister called me and said, “The water that daddy sent to us is coffee water”.
She explained that the water flowing through her taps was as brown as coffee.
There is also a shortage of gas and fuel prices have gone up by 20%. My
siblings and I are suffering and my father’s messenger does not care because
we, my father’s hard working siblings, are paying for him, the messenger, to
enjoy these basic amenities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A couple of weeks ago, we had our
annual family meeting (state of the nation address), at which we expected our
father to address some of these issues but instead, he sent his messenger who
painted an “all is well picture”. Our father cannot deny the fact that he did
not know of these issues because I expressed my <u><a href="http://www.thechixfiles.com/2013/02/the-true-state-of-nation-address.html">concerns</a></u> to him and so did many of my
siblings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I know God has blessed my father
richly and he should be making so much money from his blessings but some of my
selfish siblings and his messengers continue to give out my father’s money to
his supposed business partners. Not so recently, we discovered oil in my
father’s backyard and we thought to ourselves, another family property we can
keep in the family and use to take care of our younger siblings. But our father
decided to give the proceeds of the oil away; and he, his messengers and some
selfish siblings of ours are enjoying the proceeds to the detriment of the rest
of us and without any regard to the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Nonetheless, we, as our father’s
children, would have to take care of him when he goes on retirement but where
is the money to look after him? He has spent all of his resources and borrowed
more in the last 4 years than he has ever borrowed since he was born. I am told
that each of my siblings would have to contribute at least GH¢1,500 to pay off
our father’s debt. About 3 weeks ago, I stumbled upon a letter from a credit
agency named Fitch Ratings and the letter stated that my father’s credit outlook
had been downgraded from stable to negative.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There is also a huge family
dispute over who gets to be my father’s messenger for the next four years. The
family is seriously split and I am quite surprised that we are not fighting. My
father is trying to sort out the differences between these two factions and I hope
he does so fairly, justly and quickly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At 56 years, I expect my father
to have more assets and fewer liabilities. He should be preparing to retire so
that we can look after him. His life should not begin at age 56, but instead,
at least at age 36 when he started working with OCD. When my father hits age
60, we should see his pension and returns on his pension flowing into his bank
accounts for us to enjoy. Then we can celebrate his 60<sup>th</sup> birthday in
grand style and I can proudly say, “There goes my dad, Ghana”. Until then,
there is nothing to celebrate about because Ghana has failed us, his children.</div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-31276567054061513412013-02-21T10:16:00.001+00:002013-02-23T11:01:40.621+00:00The True State Of The Nation Address<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, the President will deliver what we know as the State of the Nation address. He will try to out-do Barack Obama who delivered a similar address a few weeks ago. Not gonna happen. I anticipate the President's address to be filled with lots of catchy phrases and nice fancy words that you read in famous speeches. Most importantly, the President will paint and a bright picture of the country's economy to attract the rather diminishing foreign investment. But all that will be BULLSHIT (I'm beginning to use this word more frequently) to me and many other Ghanaians simply because that is not the true state of our dear country. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A true state of the nation address should address the Election Petition challenging the President's election. Particularly, should the Petitioners succeed at the Supreme Court, the President will not be available to next year to deliver another State of the Nation address. The leader of the nation could change at anytime from today and that should be addressed.</div>
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next thing the President should address is the 'dum so dum so' crisis. The President promised Ghanaians during his campaign, and on national television that the power crisis will end around mid-November 2012. He delivers his maiden State of the Nation address today and we have severe power cuts worse than we did at the time he made his promises. That is the true state of the nation and same should be addressed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ghana is also facing severe water crisis. I woke up this morning to no water. Apparently, the water had ceased to flow since the previous day. Ghana is facing water rationing in 2013 and that should be addressed as the true state of the nation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Less than a week ago, the President and his government removed subsidies on fuel thereby causing a 20% increase in fuel prices. This 20% increase has affected all other aspects of the economy with prices shooting up everywhere. This is the true State of the Nation and I would want to hear the President address that. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I do not want to hear promises because I have heard all those before. I want to hear steps he has taken to solve the above problems, which reflect the true state of the nation. </div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-82419754097141944922013-02-15T14:35:00.001+00:002013-02-23T11:01:14.860+00:00A Valentine Tragedy<div style="text-align: justify;">
We woke up to sad news on Valentine's Day: "Oscar Pistorius accidentally shot his girlfriend on Valentine's Day". Rumour had it that Oscar thought his girlfriend was an intruder and therefore accidentally shot her. Am I the only one who does not believe this rumour? Here is my version of events and I am not saying any of this because I hate Oscar. I think he is a fine gentleman and an inspiration for many people, both athletes and ordinary folks. I feel deeply for both families affected by this tragedy but we have to face facts and here is how I see the tragedy unfold.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the early hours of Valentine's Day, Oscar's girlfriend sneaks into Oscar's home and perhaps tries to surprise him on this day of love. Oscar thinks it is an intruder and grabs one of the deadly weapons that are easily available to him and shoots the intruder four times. Bullshit!!!</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apparently, Oscar has a violent temperament and I think he had an argument with his girlfriend and shot her. When he realised what he had done, he called his agent and told his agent he wanted to commit suicide. Or maybe not. His agent told him not to do anything foolish but "this is a minor problem and we can solve it".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Within minutes, the agent calls his contact at the local newspaper, which by the way broke the story first, and briefs him on how the propaganda should be run. The agent then calls all his other contacts in the international media and releases the same story to them. No wonder within seconds, the story was the same across board "Oscar Pistorius shoots his girlfriend thinking she was an intruder". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This propaganda won Oscar a lot of sympathy quickly. Now the agent had to deal with reality so he calls his contacts at the prosecution and tells them to charge Oscar with murder. Note that to successfully prosecute someone for murder, you have to prove that the person had an intention to kill. With a successful "intruder propaganda," Oscar can easily say he did not have the requisite intention to commit murder and is therefore not guilty of murder.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ah but the agent forgot that Oscar had neighbours and his neighbours are now saying they overheard arguments and fighting prior to the shooting. Slowly the "intruder propaganda" is dying away. I understand he showed up in court this morning and was charged with pre-meditated murder. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A rather sad start to Valentine's Day by all definitions but i doubt Oscar will be locked up.</div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-43306462850136120532013-02-13T11:41:00.001+00:002013-02-23T10:55:52.431+00:00Giving Up Love For Lent<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes, or even most times, we take certain decisions which we would rather not take. These decisions tend to affect us and those around us. Some of these decisions are necessary and to some extent, we have control over them. Others, we simply have no choice. One scenario where we have no choice is when the decision is in respect of matters of the heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last night, I took a decision and confirmed it this morning. The decision was to give up someone I am in love with. As my “twin” always says “you love with your heart and not your head so once you fall in love that is it”. I found myself in that situation again recently and instead of learning from my past, I just gave in to my heart. I refuse to believe I did because my head was in it this time. I was a bit more rational but my heart is way too strong.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can’t help talking to her and when I talk to her, I can’t help letting her know how I feel about her. Initially, it was difficult to let her know how I felt about her but once I said it, there was no going back and I continuously made her know my feelings. Sadly and almost unfortunately, the feeling is not mutual. I’m in the love boat alone and paddling the boat is one hell of a job. So I made a commitment yesterday after thinking long and hard, to cease communication with her and also sever the most frequent communication modes between us. Hopefully, this should work. I haven’t felt bad yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I woke up this morning to a tweet from Kanye West: “Not cutting you off, just distancing myself from you”. “How obvious can it get?” I thought to myself. I debated blocking her on whatsapp too and finally decided to do so. Being the gentleman that I am, I sent her an email out of courtesy to let her know I had taken the steps I had taken. My twin was against it but I managed to convince her to see it my way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whilst in my car at the parking lot at court, I read an email from the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship on Ash Wednesday and it immediately dawned on me that I was giving up the lady I am in love with for lent. So help me God; to do what my heart does not want me to do.</div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-17424610340406659852013-02-07T09:48:00.001+00:002013-02-23T10:52:35.860+00:00Politics and Football⚽<div style="text-align: justify;">
They say we should not mix politics with football. But are the two mutually exclusive? Can they ever be? For politics and football have so much in common that it would wrong on anyone's part to ignore the obvious. Football, in my opinion, is a reflection of politics and perhaps vice versa. In politics, there are always two sides - the winner and the loser. Same with football. In politics, supporters passionately support these two sides; just like in football. In politics, there is a referee; again just like in football. I can go on and on but there is no need for that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So why am I writing this? Well, all is not </div>
<a name='more'></a>well in Ghana, politically, in that the legitimacy of the president is being disputed. The basis of the dispute is largely due to the fact that the referee in the political contest aka the Electoral Commissioner conducted himself in a manner contrary to the rules and customs of the game. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ghana then advanced to the semi finals of the African Cup of Nations with the intention of progressing to the finals. Then the political state of affairs in the country showed up. I may be heavily criticised for this but this is just my opinion and like roses, you are entitled to one. You call it mere coincidence but I choose to borrow the "president's" phrase, it was an "Act of God."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Ghana's game against Burkina Faso, the referee offered Ghana the lead on a silver platter. He gave a penalty when it was obvious that what he had awarded was not a penalty. As if that was not enough, when Burkina Faso equalised, and scored another goal to enable them win the game outright, the referee declined their goal. How bad can it get? Burkina Faso's striker was shown a red card and asked to leave the game. This sparked a lot of discussion and bad mouthing against Ghana on social media. But the gods, as we say in Africa, listened and Burkina Faso went on to eliminate Ghana through penalties. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This morning as I drove to work, BBC discussed last night's games described the refereeing of the game as shameful and emphasised the point that the referee had done all he could to ensure Ghana won the match but against all odds, justice prevailed. Epiphany moment right there. Link it to why Nana Akufo-Addo and others are crying foul. Justice prevailed after 120+ minutes and justice will prevail in the Election Petition before the Supreme Court of Ghana. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-26191858116731216332013-02-05T02:07:00.001+00:002013-02-23T10:51:30.820+00:00❤ Loving Me ❤<div style="text-align: justify;">
Truth hurts but when it comes from someone who genuinely loves you, you know it is tough love. I was having a conversation with one of my closest friends. She is more than a best friend. She is my twin. If I was a girl, I would be her. We have been together for so long and seen it all. She knows me and knows how I love. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So you know this conversation was about love. I'm not going to go into the details because I doubt it is necessary at this point. My twin showed me some tough love today and told me some truth about myself. She said "dude you love too easy. Your heart leads the way. You fall in love with your heart and not your head at all."</div>
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She was absolutely right and she is the only person who would know this too. She said to me "you gotta be disciplined. I don't want you settling for less. You are precious." "I am?" I replied a bit baffled. She said "yes you are. You need to love yourself and that way others will see what you see in you and love you." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She is so right and put me to a task: loving me. I have to love me. So this month of love is going to be all about me. I am going to love me. Search myself, study myself and love myself. Let's see if I will last. Next time I know if I need love advice I will avoid my twin. Love her tho.❤</div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-9206106324348509162013-01-29T18:02:00.001+00:002013-02-23T10:50:07.737+00:00Harmattan<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dry winds hit my face as I step down from the airplane. Tired as hell I grudgingly descend the stairs and onto the Tarmac. I make my way slowly to the arrivals hall and all I can feel is the dry winds. I breathe the air and it is almost new to me. Very different from the air I came from. I see the haze as I stare across the the Tarmac and runway. The harmattan is strong in Kumasi. "Why is that?" I ask the driver as he reaches for my bag. I don't know if I expected an answer but I got one. A couple of weeks ago when I came to Kumasi, I received a similar welcome but less harmattan. I have to avoid the dry lips and possible cracks but I guess that comes with the season. A lick every second helps. </div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-52709603122080870832013-01-26T15:12:00.000+00:002013-01-26T15:13:42.299+00:00Drama Over the Tundra<div style="text-align: justify;">
You have to love Ghanaian politics. Really, you must love politics in Ghana.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Thursday, I was in the car heading to the airportin Kumasi to catch my flight back to Accra and heard an interesting news item on the radio. Apparently, Akua Donkor is refusing to give Papa Kwesi Nduom and the Progressive People's Party their Toyota Tundra. According to Akua Donkor, she had a deal with Nduom that she will tell her supporters to vote for Nduom and in return, Nduom will give her a Toyota Tundra. And that having told her supporters to vote for Nduom, she was not obliged to return the Toyota Tundra she had received. Sounds like vote buying to me from a "so-called I am not a corruptible leader". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Akua Donkor also dared Nduom and the PPP to take her to the highest court of the land and not waste her time in the High Court. Her classic statement "if I had not told my supporters to vote for Nduom, would he have been third?" </div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-2922094390224100932013-01-19T20:55:00.001+00:002013-01-26T15:16:24.375+00:00A Day In History<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JvjWdDep5tM/UPsIR9QCt-I/AAAAAAAAAD8/l05PGk2XmIw/s640/blogger-image--1175732484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JvjWdDep5tM/UPsIR9QCt-I/AAAAAAAAAD8/l05PGk2XmIw/s320/blogger-image--1175732484.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I arrived in Accra at 1pm and headed straight for the Anglican Church at Burma Camp to witness my cousin, a lieutenant commander in the Ghanaian Navy, get married. I had been to the engagement a week ago and so I wasn't expecting a major crowd. Boy was I shocked when I arrived at the chapel. First of all, the parking spots were gone. I had to drive a few blocks to get parking and then I made my way to the church premises. The church was full up and they had set up tents with chairs outside for people to sit. Even those were all taken up and about twice the people who were in the church and seated under the tents, were standing outside. I said to myself "I didn't know my cousin was this popular".</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She came out of the church with her husband, both of them smiling genuinely. Not one of those fake wedding smiles. Yes, she was extremely happy and the photo tells it all. The wedding was well attended by prominent people including a judge at the International Criminal Court, Prof. Akua Kuenyhia, who assisted in the cutting of the wedding cake.</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apparently, I take after this cousin of mine so much, although I hardly think so but we do have similarities. When she went to Morning Star School, I followed her. And then she became a lawyer, I became one too. In fact, I remember calling her once from London when she was in the Naval Academy to ask her about practising law in Ghana. She is the only lawyer I know that has the same blood I do, both paternal and maternal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I titled this blog "A Day in History" because truly, that's exactly what it is. Naa Ayeley looked so beautiful and her handsome husband could not hide his joy either. To quote the words of a friend, "Prince William and Kate Middleton ain't got nothing on this pair" and I agree.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-59658512086816456602013-01-19T11:14:00.001+00:002013-01-26T15:15:47.847+00:00My Heart Weeps . . .<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rAuDXBb71TE/UPqCH8jd0mI/AAAAAAAAADs/I0R-2DOc3SE/s640/blogger-image--1450389331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rAuDXBb71TE/UPqCH8jd0mI/AAAAAAAAADs/I0R-2DOc3SE/s640/blogger-image--1450389331.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I received the photo collage of the two girls and thought it was a rumour. I was on my way back to Kumasi from Ejisu and then during the 1pm news, I heard that a garbage truck had collided with a taxi in the early hours of 18 January 2012 at Okponglo and two girls who were in the taxi had lost their lives. It suddenly hit me as the story unfolded. The two girls were both 19 years old and graduates of Holy Child School. They were on their way to the University of Ghana, Legon where they were students and unfortunately and very sadly met their untimely death. I felt saddened by this news. It hurt me deeply. My eyes were filled with tears and deep down I know I was weeping inside for these girls. I have no sister just female cousins and any of these girls could have been my cousin, sister or even girlfriend. They were at university and were making something of their lives. They did not deserve to die. No way and not in this manner. But in all things, even the bad, God knows best. It's very sad and I pray God consoles the family and friends of these two beautiful young women. Rest in perfect peace.</div>
<br />
<br />Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-17951965502146455732013-01-16T21:21:00.001+00:002013-01-16T21:38:41.542+00:00Canes For What?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QaIQV-8sOQ/UPcZk69mitI/AAAAAAAAADY/6HL9_VRsnNU/s1600/149530_399048493521499_208878199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QaIQV-8sOQ/UPcZk69mitI/AAAAAAAAADY/6HL9_VRsnNU/s320/149530_399048493521499_208878199_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cane-holding supporters of the NDC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I drove to work this morning, I thought about the topic of today's blog. Of course, the first and most obvious thing that came to mind was "blog about what happens at the Supreme Court today". Great idea but I realised my blog was becoming an update for Nana Akufo-Addo's Petition at the Supreme Court. Ah well. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So as I drove, I went past a school and I saw children with brooms sweeping the compound before assembly and then class. There wasn't a child in sight without a broom, duster or dustbin. Then I thought to myself ah, I will blog about this especially because every Ghanaian in their formative years undergoes some discipline in sanitation but somewhere along the line we become filthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then I ended up at the airport to catch my flight to Kumasi and just before I went on board the plane, I decided to use the bathroom and pay some water bills. I entered the male bathroom and to my surprise, for the first time in Ghana, a public bathroom was neat. I thought to myself, this is worth blogging about. I will title my blog today "Neat Toilets". </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I touched down in Kumasi and all I heard on the radio and read on Facebook was how after the legal exercise on NDC's joinder application, NDC supporters waited outside the court premises with canes. Canes for what? Are we now rearing cattle on Accra High Street? Why the hell would you hold canes outside court premises? Why provoke violence? What is shocking is that these cane-holders were not worried about being arrested at all. I later read a press statement from the NPP saying that some of its members and members of the general public, including a pregnant woman, had been assaulted by these NDC cane-holding supporters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My reaction = AH!</div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-80353024354820822422013-01-15T17:22:00.001+00:002013-01-16T22:11:51.697+00:00All Is Set<div style="text-align: justify;">
It feels like an anticipated boxing match between a legend in Ghanaian politics and a seasoned parliamentarian who may never have been president but strangely enough is president as I write this blog. The much anticipated boxing match is the Election Petition filed by Nana Akufo-Addo and others against John Mahama and the Electoral Commission. The NDC too wants to join the fight simply because John Mahama ran on their party ticket.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The last time we were in court, the Supreme Court was to hear NDC's application but Nana Akufo-Addo and others had other plans. "No way, Jose" they said to the judges "we don't like this panel". Like I said in my last post "I didn't expect that objection". Neither did anyone including the learned justices. No wonder His Lordship Justice William Atuguba got upset and said the things he said. "Like ibi me too ah like I go bore. You say weytin, juicy constitutional and historic case like this make I recuse myself? Ah, NEVER!"</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, now we know Nana Akufo-Addo and others have decided not to pursue the objection. We also know that John Mahama has responded to the Petition. I am still trying to understand what he was responding to lol. Especially since he only participated in the election and played no role to ensure that the proper conduct of the election. Ah well, we will see how the fight will turn out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the meantime, or tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear NDC's application for joinder. To add or not to add, we live to see tomorrow. </div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-80537064710250361692013-01-10T22:07:00.001+00:002013-01-11T01:25:32.748+00:00What Happened At The Supreme Court Today<div style="text-align: justify;">
This morning, I deemed it wise to educate my followers so I wrote a post on exactly what was going to happen at the Supreme Court today. But I forgot to add that in litigation, anything can happen. And indeed, 'anything' did happen today. As my senior and I drove into the court premises on the High Street, we were amazed at the beefed up security. Tons of police officers and armoured cars. Even more interesting was that the police officers were armed to the teeth. No nonsense. But on another note, there were some very cute looking girls in the police force. And you know the saying, a woman dressed in uniform is always ...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So the judges entered the court room and the lawyers announced themselves. After brief consultations with his team, the lead counsel for Nana Akufo-Addo and others, objected to Justice William Atuguba presiding over the panel to hear the joinder application. After some small drama, Nana Akufo-Addo's legal team was directed to formally object to Justice Atuguba presiding over the panel.</div>
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Boy, I did not see that objection coming. In the coming days, we will know exactly why they objected to Justice Atuguba presiding over the panel. What I wonder is whether Nana Akufo-Addo's team would not mind if Justice Atuguba sits on the panel but does not preside over it. That would mean only one thing, to wit, Her Ladyship the Chief Justice must sit on the panel since Justice Atuguba only gets to preside in her absence. Or Justice Atuguba will recuse himself from the panel. Yeah right! Recuse himself from a juicy, historic case such as this one? Never!</div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-79588279144239358162013-01-10T08:06:00.001+00:002013-01-11T01:20:49.767+00:00What will happen at the Supreme Court today?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today, the Supreme Court of Ghana will hear an aspect of the NPP's petition which has been filed before it, to wit, the NDC's application to join the Petition as a Respondent. I noticed many media houses are referring to today's hearing as the hearing of the Petition. The substantive Petition will not be heard today but probably within the next five days as the Rules stipulate.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what exactly will happen today? The task before the Supreme Court today is basically to determine whether or not the NDC is a necessary party to be joined to the Petition. The NDC argues that John Mahama was elected on their Party's ticket and therefore they have a 'direct stake' in his election. In Ghana, however, personalities are elected and not political parties. But there is the valid argument that the political parties sponsor the candidacy of the person to be elected.</div>
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The NPP is of course opposed to the NDC's application and argues that the NDC is not a necessary party for the determination of all issues in their Petition and accordingly should not be joined to the Petition. One may understand the NPP's position; in that any joinder is likely to delay the hearing of the substantive Petition. The outcome of the joinder itself will have a political and psychological effect on the parties in the Petition. Whoever wins may viewed in the eyes of the public as 1-0 up in the fight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What will be interesting to note today also is the panel of judges who will sit and hear this instant application. It may or may not be the exact panel that will hear the substantive Petition but it will give an indication. </div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-39638928962445526812013-01-08T15:03:00.001+00:002013-01-10T00:36:04.143+00:00A Historic Swearing In<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mij15ZYTeEY/UO4MyWevf7I/AAAAAAAAADI/ZLjG6a_cDcs/s1600/Mahama.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mij15ZYTeEY/UO4MyWevf7I/AAAAAAAAADI/ZLjG6a_cDcs/s200/Mahama.png" width="200" /></a></div>
On 7 January 2013, John Mahama took the oath of allegiance and became the fourth President of the fourth Republic of Ghana. Sounds historic, right? I mean if you are the fourth John to be the fourth president of the fourth Republic that must be of some historical importance. The ceremony was historic alright but not for the reasons I have just mentioned. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For starters, Mahama, who was being sworn in, is currently a respondent to a Petition currently before the Supreme Court of Ghana, which Petition is challenging his election as president. So you can imagine what was running through Mahama's mind as he repeated the oath of allegiance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The uneasiness at the ceremony itself was self evident. And to crown it, the largest opposition party in Ghana, the New Patriotic Party, boycotted the event purely on the basis of principle: we cannot celebrate what we don't agree with. I agree with that.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Never mind what Mahama was thinking. Lol. What Ghanaians were thinking is what is important. I was thinking, and I believe many other Ghanaians were thinking along those lines too, that "assuming the Supreme Court invalidates Mahama's election and instead declares Nana Akufo-Addo validly elected, will Mahama accept the decision?" </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have no reason to doubt Mahama will respect the Supreme Court's decision in those circumstances. And I hope being the democrat he has been his entire political life he won't let me down. Scratch that, he won't let Ghanaians down. </div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-54580196971840525622013-01-07T22:48:00.001+00:002013-01-07T23:01:02.580+00:00Mall Girls<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2013, I am going to make blogging a habit. I spend so much time tweeting and Facebooking that I hardly have time to actually put a few words together on my blog. Not a good look at all. The return of The Chix Files sounds like a nice title for my first post in 2013, don't you think? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, so on Sunday evening something strange happened to me. You may think of it as strange in a good way or strange in a bad way. Either way, I found it strange. I went to the mall to meet a friend. We stood in the car park chatting for about a good 30 minutes. During the entire period, three very beautiful girls stood right where we were.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They giggled and laughed and I figured "it may be because of my friend given that he is a celeb". We chatted for a while and said our goodbyes. I walked to my car and he walked to his. I sat in my car, turned on the engine, and put the car into reverse. Out if nowhere, I hear "excuse me, excuse me". Lo and perhaps, behold the three girls make their way to my car. I roll down the window and one of the girls says to me "can I talk to you please?"<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What a lucky day! Where the bloody hell did I sleep? I reply "sure, give me a sec and let me back up properly". So I back up and park properly and wait to speak to these beautiful ladies. The one who stopped me gets closer to the car and says "we are kinda low on money. Can you please give us a ride?" I ask "where are you going?" She replies "Legon". You know how the Legon girls talk. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My natural first reaction should have been "sure, hop in. I'll drop you off." Instead, I reached for my wallet and took out some money and said "here, get a cab." After all, if the only reason why you cannot get back to campus is lack of funds then don't worry, I'll give you more than enough funds to get you back to campus. All of a sudden, the young lady that approached me said "oh I'm shy. How can I take money from a stranger. You, it is ok." Her friend was having none of that shyness and reached out for the money.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't wait for them to say thank you and just drove off. And as I drove off I thought to myself "single guy like me paaa and I have dogged three fine Legon chicks?" That is strange.</div>
Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-45837239703266777902012-03-30T11:57:00.001+01:002012-03-30T11:57:03.698+01:00Bawumia, the Only Right Choice for Ghana's Economic Development<div style="text-align: justify;">
This may probably be my last blog for this month and I am happy about the subject matter. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2008, when Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was announced as the running mate of Nana Akufo-Addo, my reaction was along the lines of "no way, we don't this man but we'll support him anyway if that is what will win us the election". Many things were said about Dr. Bawumia including "he's a technocrat, we need a politician", "he has no political experience", etc. Other personal statements were made against him but Nana Akufo-Addo like the honourable gentleman he has always been rose to the defence of his chosen running mate and said emphatically "let not the sins of the father be visited upon the son". </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We went on to lose the election, albeit by the narrowest of margins. Dr. Bawumia was subsequently appointed as a visiting researcher at Oxford University. It was during his time at Oxford that I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know the man better. Oh yes, he was no politician but spoke very passionately about the promise of Ghana's economy. I was impressed and educated by our brief chat as he explained to me how easy and very possible it was to increase the GDP of Ghana just like our contemporary South Korea.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I returned to Ghana later that year and attended his book launch. Again, he demonstrated his passion for Ghana through his thorough research without blaming any preceding administration for our current shortfalls. He however suggested solutions to these problems, and I mean practical solutions to the problems we have in our economy. I thought to myself as he spoke "Nana needs this man, Ghana needs Bawumia". I subsequently heard rumours of his intended appointment. I know Nana Akufo-Addo's mind was made and there was no doubt who his obvious choice was going to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dr. Bawumia joined the African Development Bank and was quickly sent to Zimbabwe to restructure its economy. We are all aware of the state in which the Zimbabwean economy was just a few years ago and the remarkable state in which it is now. A Zimbabwean lawyer friend of mine who works at the African Development Bank called me recently and this is what he had to say about Dr. Bawumia: "Ghana is really lucky to have a man with the expertise Dr. Bawumia has. I've heard he's going to be nominated as your vice presidential candidate. I hope Ghanaians make the right decision this time around." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />So it came as no surprise that on his birthday, by calculated design, he announced to the National Council of Elders of the NPP his intention to retain Dr. Bawumia as his running mate for the 2012 election. His announcement was met with a resounding acclamation and unanimous endorsement of Dr. Bawumia. Unity was more than evident in the Party. To refer to Sammy Awuku's statement, "we have reflected on the reasons why we lost the 2008 elections and have rebuilt the Party based on those reflections. All that remains is to recapture power in election 2012."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I encourage all Party members to rally behind the ticket - Nana Addo Bawumia - and work diligently towards victory in the 2012 elections.</div>Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-25584211631194896282012-03-27T14:12:00.001+01:002012-03-27T14:14:52.205+01:00Akufo-Addo Encourages Ghanaians To Register<div style="text-align: justify;">
I came across this video posted on the YouTube Channel of the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party in Ghana encouraging all Ghanaians to register and vote in the upcoming 2012 elections. He explains that the only way Ghanaians can have better education, a better healthcare system and prosperity is to register and vote. Enjoy the video and make sure you <b>REGISTER!!!</b></div>
<br />
For details on how to register, visit <a href="http://ec.gov.gh/page.php?page=391&section=49&typ=1" target="_blank">REGISTER TO VOTE</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B216pOB0sqk" width="420"></iframe>Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-91743165077776978822012-03-27T11:27:00.001+01:002012-03-27T11:55:28.234+01:00Only 18 Year Old Ghanaians Can Register<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's the fourth day of the registration of voters using a modernized approach - a biometric register. Already, reports have been creeping in from all corners of the country about irregularities, logistical problems and problems with the machine itself. I must commend all the polling agents of all the various parties and stakeholders for their vigilance in ensuring that <b>only 18 year old Ghanaians</b> are registered to vote on <b>7 December 2012</b>. Nonetheless, regardless of such vigilance some crooked citizens or shall I say non-citizens still dare to register. I wish to share one of such incidents with you. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A Nigerian (why does it always have to be a Nigerian), by name, Banwo Abiodun Ashimiu, who had registered at Cow Lane in the Odododiodio Constituency, was arrested yesterday. </div>
<a name='more'></a>Apparently, he resides at Dansoman Last Stop in the Ablekuma South Constituency, and was leading another group of foreigners to register in the Dansoman area. Unfortunately for him, he was recognised by some residents and apprehended whilst the other foreigners fled. He was then sent to the Dansoman Police Station where he was detained. He was eventually transferred to the Accra Central Police Station under 'strict orders'. The source of the 'strict orders' have not been disclosed but of course you can easily infer from the subsequent facts where the strict orders came from.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the Accra Central Police Sstation, a member of the ruling NDC government, Nii Lante Vanderpuiye, led national security operatives to release Banwo and attempted to arrest those who apprehended Banwo, for assault.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My reaction to the above story was "is that how desperate the ruling government is, to hold on to power? To the extent that they are bent on packing the register with foreigners?" Foreigners are being given documents to enable them register in their numbers in the strongholds of the opposition, NPP. One thing that is clear is that the ruling NDC government has lost its way. But unfortunately, once the minds of the people are made up, regardless of how much you cheat, you will lose. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-45259296233978963832012-03-26T09:59:00.000+01:002012-03-26T09:59:19.515+01:00Biometric Registration 101<div style="text-align: justify;">
I intended to write this blog some weeks back but you know how procrastination gets you postponing till you really can't postpone any longer. The timing and circumstances require that this blog be written now. As stated in an earlier blog, with this being an election year in Ghana, where I happily reside, I hope to bring you as much information from the ground and to keep you informed about the relevant happenings on the political landscape.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So basically, Ghana decided to modernise its electoral system. We are not at par with the US or other developed democracies yet but we've taken a bold step towards modernising our electoral system. The decision was met with a lot of reluctance and resistance, which should be expected whenever something new is introduced to people. Eventually, a consensus was reached between all the stakeholders and Ghana's Electoral Commission decided to use a biometric register for voting in the 2012 election.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The biometric registration commenced this weekend across the country. The two major political parties prepped their party agents and polling station agents ahead of the exercise, which is to last for 40 days (<b>ends on 5th May 2012</b>). Registration will go on for 10 continuous days at a particular polling station and move to another polling station until <b>5th May 2012</b>. Everyone is supposed to register regardless of the fact that you hold a voters ID card. The biometric register requires that everyone is registered <b>afresh</b>. Anyone intending to register must be at least 18years old at the time of registration. They must be able to prove that they are Ghanaian. Thus, they must provide a valid identification document such as the old voters ID card, Ghanaian passport or driving licence. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) card will not suffice. If a person does not have any of the foregoing documents, they would have to get two persons who can vouch that they are Ghanaian and reside in the constituency in which they wish to register.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Already, there have been complaints from both sides (NPP and NDC) that underage children and foreigners (mostly Togolese) are being registered in their strongholds. The EC's response to this is that, complaints should be made on "Challenge Forms" which are available at the polling station. I suggest that this method should be used for obvious reasons as opposed to violence. There have been complaints regarding faulty machines, long queues, late arrival of EC officials etc. These were all anticipated so I encourage patience. It is our constitutional right to vote. The EC cannot deny that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thus, I hereby encourage all Ghanaians, and I mean all Ghanaians, who intend to vote in December 2012 to register. </div>Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-71865597105653794052012-03-20T23:27:00.000+00:002012-03-20T23:27:26.596+00:00D'Banj - Oliver Twist<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just saw this video on MTV Base around 11pm and I felt that I need to share it with the world. Especially because it features the famous #Azonto dance. Enjoy people.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CQP-etYU1ps" width="560"></iframe></div>Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1024304410766007396.post-55827996609125873052012-03-20T07:54:00.001+00:002012-03-20T07:55:17.099+00:00Happy Story Day!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today happens to be "World Story Day". Or at least that's what I heard on the BBC this morning. It is quite interesting how we have a day for almost everything in the world these days. And they all seem to have the words "world" or "international" in them. Funny enough, in the process of writing this blog, I wondered whether there was an "International Men's Day". So I did what any curious person in the 21st Century would do - Google. And guess what gentlemen and perhaps, ladies too, there is indeed an "International Men's Day". The date's 19 November so do save it in your diary. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So given the significance of today, it is only right that I say something relevant about a story. What's a story, one may ask. We have been told stories ever since we were children and where I come from stories have been told for as long as my grandmother can remember. </div>
<a name='more'></a>A story must have a beginning, a middle and an end. Just like everything in life. In a way, we can liken stories to life. The most important thing about a story is that it must convey a message, usually a moral one. Remember those days when you had to stand before your 3rd grade class and tell a story, you always begun with "Once upon a time ..." and continued from there. History as we enjoy today are little stories pieced together and passed down through generations.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I remember explaining the importance of history to a friend some 7 years ago. This was my explanation: history has the word "story" and "hi" (high). So that means history is a Hi-Story (a story of much importance). That actually sounds lame 7 years later but does not debunk the fact that stories are a part of life and it is key to ensuring that information is passed on through generations.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have a Happy Story Day!!!</div>Chixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03076316975253157129noreply@blogger.com0