Following The Ghana Elections - 2012

Ghana faces yet another milestone in its quest for a thriving democracy this year - 2012. The country goes to the polls in December 2012 to elect a president. The current president barely won the last election in what is described as the closest election ever held in Africa. Subject to correction, I believe it can be described as the closest election ever held in the history of the world, politics and indeed democracy. The outcome of the Ghanaian elections in 2008 led to the birth of this blog - The Chix Files. The blog was eventually defined by its readers. As Ghana returns to the polls again this year, I deem it only right to follow the campaign, debates and elections. I also deem it right that readers of this blog should be given access to information regarding campaign, debates and the elections.

The above paragraph was intended to be the entire blog for this post but since the draft and the publication of the blog, matters have arisen which I feel need to be discussed or at the very least, touched on for further discussion in subsequent blogs. And besides, it is Friday, I am not sure if I may be in a position to be behind my computer over the weekend to actually think and write. Ha-ha. But you see, that is the beauty of Ghanaian politics, within 24 hours "filla" (juicy news in Ghanaian parlance) spreads like wildfire. There are two things I want to briefly touch on in this blog without boring you to sleep. First, I am sure you've heard or at least read about is the"Woyome Judgment Debt Issue" and the second is a new and developing story on a key player in the Woyome matter. If you haven't, then I suggest you type "Woyome" into Google's search engine and you'll be abreast after reading a few articles.

Doctor In The House

It's been a while since I wrote a blog. Thanks to Twitter and BBM, I keep whatever I have to say short and simple. No verbose articles or blogs. But I have realised I am missing out on blogging. I like to write so why should I be restricted to just 160 characters about what is happening. I refuse to be lazy. Haha. You can follow me on Twitter by the way @kaessuman.

So I made a conscious effort to resume blogging in March. I'm going to try and make it a weekly habit. So help me God, Amen.

With this being my first blog, I wish to dedicate it to a friend of mine who just passed her final medical exams. I know how long it takes for one to be a doctor and I've seen this friend go through the 'seven' short years of training with the hope of saving lives and helping people. She gets only two months off after working so hard for just seven years. Less than a week into her time off, she's already bored. How ironic, right?

Anyway, I promised to dedicate my first blog to her and the many other newly qualified doctors who are going to be responsible for our health and lives for the rest of their lives. I ask for wisdom, grace and good health from God.

Congratulations!!!

Prove Human Logic Wrong

"Before success comes in any man's life, he is sure to meet with much temporary defeat, and perhaps, some failure. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and most logical thing to do is QUIT. That is exactly what the majority of men do. Failure is a trickster with a keen sense of irony and cunning. It takes great delight in tripping one when success is almost within reach." As we continue this week, I urge you all to keep going hard. Success is around the corner just when you feel like quitting. Let's take the high road and prove human logic wrong. Have a good day.

Temporary Defeats

"One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat. Every person is guilty of this mistake at one time or another." As we start this week, we will face a number of obstacles. Treat them as temporary defeats and move on. The end result will definitely be worth it. Enjoy your day.

The Media is failing in its Role in National Development

The media as the fourth realm of government has an important role to play in the national development of any country; and especially, the national development of a developing country such as Ghana. It is therefore sad to find the media drowned or concerned or prioritising news items and discussion topics that draw the attention of the ordinary Ghanaian from matters and issues affecting national development. In fact, it is not only sad but extremely shameful and pathetic. One may argue that the media, particularly the privately owned media, are more concerned about making money so therefore, whatever that sells i.e. whatever will get everyone to tune in and listen is what they will be concerned about or prioritise. But really and truly speaking, should that be the case? What happened to the moral obligation to ensure that the citizenry are informed? The media finds itself in a position where it is charged with a duty to encourage national development. I do give credit to some media houses for attempting to make an effort.

Do You To The Benefit of Others and Mankind

Good morning folks! Another morning another week. Again, I wish to challenge the status quo. We're usually told not to care about what others think of us. We should just do what we feel is right and what works best for us. I strongly disagree. This individualistic approach to things has led or is leading to the breaking down of the western society. Regardless of how you may put it, the phrase 'Imma do me' should not be on our minds. I say this because our actions and omissions affect those around us even when we're not aware. You may succeed in doing you but it will be to the detriment of many others who may in turn take a similar stance and influence another and the cycle goes on. I believe in Christianity, we're told not to let our actions deter others from being saved. I think we should apply this principle in our lives. Today and henceforth, I encourage you to do you to the benefit of others and all mankind. Have a good day.

Individual Ability is Only One Factor in Success

Good morning folks. So I'm reading or more like listening to this audiobook by Malcolm Gladwell called Outliers, The Story of Success and I can't help but relate. Gladwell makes the argument that success is not based solely on our individual ability. That is far too 'simple' he says. Circumstances that surround us determine our success such as when we were born, the community we grow up in, the people we have as friends and family, the timing of an opportunity and many other factors. Gladwell's argument is nothing new to me for I am living example. I always say to the people around me that God has mapped out my life so no matter the extent of the detour I take I'll always be back to the mapped out road. I never hesitate to let them know that if I had remained in Ghana post secondary, I would not have chalked any of my achievements at such an early age and most of all, I wouldn't have been a lawyer. So I agree with Gladwell 100 per cent for now. When I'm done with the book, I'll let you know whether that is still the position. God bless you today and have a good day.

Judging on Appearance

Good morning people. Wise words for today are from Jean de la Fontaine. He says "beware, so long as you live, of judging men by their outward appearance". I think this week is gonna be about judging people. Everyone in this world is judged or judges another by their outward appearance. When I have to attend an interview, I wear a properly pressed suit with a white shirt and a not too striking tie. My hair is cut and beard shaved to skin. Simply because I want to be taken serious. I have a higher standard than usual so when I see a lady with too much cleavage I wonder "why". Sometimes the first thing that pops into my head is this person has no morals and more often than not, I'm wrong. They may just have too much breasts to "remain-in-bra". We all see a man with long locks and simply assume they're from Jamaica or belong to the rastafari religion and the classic thin slice of all, they are weed smokers and fans of Bob Marley. Haha. More often than not they're none of that. I know many christian, non weed smoking classic loving non Jamaicans. So perhaps the saying is right. We should beware that we don't turn the best away simply by judging on appearance. However, we should aim to make a good first and lasting impression so appearance is equally important. Have a good day.

First Springs of Great Events

Arise and shine. Good morning fellas and felletes. Lol. I trust your sleep was restful. If it wasn't, well what can I say besides there's more sleep after death so let's get our hustle on. Wise words for today is from Jonathan Swift - "the first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are often mean and little." Reminds me of the famous saying "a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". So today, no matter how little your effort is, know that it is a significant contribution to a great event. Of course you must have a general idea of what the great event is or will be otherwise your efforts will be cos 90. Have a good day.

Judging People

Good morning y'all. Wise words for today. So we're always told not to judge people. Sad thing is we're always judging or thin slicing people. When we have to take a decision regarding someone, we're judging them, are we not? So we need to revise the advice on judging people. I suggest we should judge people so long as we have a fair idea of their circumstances. Have a good day y'all and thin slice as much as you can.