Only 18 Year Old Ghanaians Can Register

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 only 18 year old Ghanaians are registered to vote on 7 December 2012. 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.

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.

Biometric Registration 101

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.

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.

D'Banj - Oliver Twist

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.

Happy Story Day!!!

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. 

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.

Is the University of Ghana, Legon, worthy of the title 'premier university'?

My cousin graduated over the weekend and I attended the graduation ceremony at the University of Ghana, Legon. Now UoG is supposed to be the premier university in Ghana. Premier in my opinion is a word used to qualify the first and best. You should expect nothing but the best from the premier university. Nothing even comparable to the rest, right? Now Accra comes to a standstill on graduation days and last weekend was no different. I arrived at the campus of Legon late but well dressed and in suede shoes. Boy, was I a fool to wear suede shoes to Legon's campus. The graduation ceremony was held on a dusty, dirty volley ball field. It was bloody hot with dust everywhere and no where to sit. I didn't even want to sit under such conditions. In no time did I realise that my suede shoes, which were black the last time I checked had now become brown. 

A Possible Case of Racism At Liverpool F.C.

This weekend was great for any football fan unless of course you are a Chelsea or Liverpool fan. For Arsenal fans at least, it was one of the best weekends to enjoy the games in the premier league. For the first time Arsenal fans celebrated or joined Manchester United fans as they celebrated their win over Tottenham Hotspur. The reason being Arsenal's dream of finishing third can become a reality. 

One can understand Arsenal's jubilation this weekend. They came back from a goal down and near goals to defeating Liverpool at Anfield. How sweet. Both Arsenal goals were scored by Van Persie who is currently in the best of footballing shape. "In RVP we trust" I must echo! Even sweeter was that after Suarez faked that foul and was awarded a penalty, Dirk Kuyt (a player I have so much footballing respect for) failed to tuck it in the goal. The Arsenal goalie made two successive saves to prevent injustice befalling Arsenal at Anfield. 

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.