GIJ AKWAABA TRIP 16, More Fun Than Good

As is the custom of the SRC to organize get-away trips each year, students were in anticipation of the much awaited trip out of Accra to a place of excitement, relaxation and satisfaction. The said day was kick started with a pageant show dubbed 'Miss Akwaaba' which pulled off fairly well. Friday evening was a cool one which left no trace of the struggle that was ahead of "Akwaaba trip" travelers.

Let me begin by congratulating the SRC President and his executives for their effort in making the event happen, despite the many challenges that came up.

Departure

Buses trooped in to convey students away to the escape world. Tickets were checked as students hopped in one after the other, excited about the prospects of the whole fun experience on the other side of town. Nobody even suspected a heavy downpour until there were lashes of rainfall on our backs and faces as we impatiently battled our way into the buses which we obviously blocked from entry. To think that we could break protocol and be allowed direct and immediate entry into the bus, the organizers still insisted on checking tickets before entry into the bus amidst the heavy downpour. This was indeed a moment of survival of the fittest...

As we furiously yelled and screamed to be allowed into the bus, the rains dealt well with us, washing off the well polished makeup on most faces of the ladies, including myself. The battle was a tough one, and if you could not make it to the trip, here's where you can have a good laugh at those of us who decided to go beyond all odds. With the exception of those who boarded the first bus, everyone was totally soaked to the bone, including the tickets they were demanding to check.

Accommodation

Fast forward, we got to Atimpoku safely(though I thought we were going to Akosombo, whatever  the difference is...)
Now where to sleep? I could have wished it was a camping where we would have pitched our tents and have a good sleep on our sleep bags, but no! We were to sleep in groups and in rooms with one bed. Now considering our numbers, you could have guessed how 'sardinized' we were in our rooms. Worst, or should I say best of it all, ladies had to share rooms with guys. This I must confess was so unpardonable. The rooms were so small and some had no ventilation systems to generate cool air for its inhabitants of about eight to fifteen people.

Feeding

Food was perfect, but quantity was sad. The excuse we got was that the numbers which turned were outrageous and so there was the need to squeeze the food in order that everyone could be fed. Feeding with two slices of bread, five tiny slices of yam chips and two ladles of rice? How? Why? For what? These questions, I'm sure, are racing through your mind right now as you read. However those were the experiences we had to go through in the name of 'adventure'. Meanwhile large quantity of food were seen hoarded for so-called executives and closer relations(boyfriends, course mates, siblings and what have you). In the end, a lot more people did not get fed and had to devise means of getting alternative source of food.

Activities

But for the ambience and lakeside view of the place, the venue was a poor choice of location by the Organising Secretary. We were promised many exciting activities on the trip, most of which did not materialise when we got there. Activities such as Beer pong, Dinner, Karaoke, Boat cruise, Clubbing which were earmarked did not take place, not even in dreamland. Students had to pay in order to enjoy the Boat ad Canoe ride on the lake Volta. The whole of Saturday was wasted on a pool party, ushering students into the funniest form of jams (which could have been a dinner party) during the evening. Big ups to the DJ though, he made us forget our woes as he rocked us to some well selected contemporary and back-to-back playlists. As for the romantic lovers and boyfriend switching and snatching, I don't want to be the snitch-bitch. All I can say is that people really had fun in that respect. Was I a beneficiary to that? See me in chambers. 

Conclusion

The trip was a really adventurous one. It was one that will definitely leave a lasting impression on all who went and even those who missed. The pool gave people pleasure while the aerobics and games served others some form of relief. Away from that, the whole scenario right from the rains, to the bus struggle, to food hunt in town, and to the skeletal activities which left a few of us wondering whether we were at a prayer camp cannot be overlooked. Also, the harsh treatment from some of the organizers during, room allocations, food sessions, and bus boarding are issues better left for another day. We really had a trip!

And the surprise package on the bus after having to endure a long lunch starvation and consequent bus struggle back to Accra... Ladies and gentlemen, we were served Africa Cola and some kind of dough that I prefer to call 'pie' for sanity sake. Well, for a brief moment, it served to ease the loud roars that were coming from my stomach. In all, I had fun because I had friends who bore the cross with me along the way. I won't want to rubbish the whole event, however, I leave it to my fellow travelers and readers to judge.

Justica Anima 

Adjeianima@gmail.com 

Switstica.blogspot.com 

Hillary Clinton; Disclosing The Health Status Of Presidential Candidates

Just a few days after having a heated debate on disclosing the health  status of presidential candidates before elections, news burst out about Hillary Clinton and her pneumonia diagnosis. The issue has been a topic on media circles this whole week, and it is refusing to be a nontrivial matter as election is fast approaching.

In our argument at the debate, my team raised points about the need for transparency on health issues of candidates, the health requirements of a political leader as stated in the Constitution, the longevity of tenure of office of leaders, the need to have strong and  sound leaders for better governance, among others.

We cited leaders such as H. E. John Atta Mills and Nelson Mandela, both of blessed memory, as examples. Both were very good leaders who ruled the affairs of their nations well. What they had in common was how weak and unhealthy they were as leaders; mostly being sent to the hospital to receive medical attention. This indirectly affected their response to governance as a whole. What I am driving to the table is that they could have done a better job if they were much healthier.

Ghana was in total shock after the death of Atta Mills who died while serving as president making him unable to finish his tenure of office. This brought the nation to a sudden halt and chaos. A mighty tree had fallen and had left the nation in grief. A lot of issues come into play after such sudden unannounced matters arise. All too soon, such a leader who was firm, visionary, and full of positive ideas, had left the nation confused. What was the guarantee that his Vice who was to be sworn in as the next President was competent enough to take over? However, he was sworn in anyway, and the dire consequences of such occurrences are countless. Aside that, the citizens are denied the opportunity to decide if the really want this "new" to rule them or not.

In the same way, Nelson Mandela made waves as a leader. But truth  be told, he was not fit enough to run around and monitor accountability very well due to old age and its related health issues. Well, we still cannot overlook his many accomplishments within the short period he reigned. Come to think of it, who is totally fit anyway? We all are "sick" one way or the other. Our only concern is for presidential candidates to be well screened in order for serious health problems to be identified earlier for treatment. This will also allow for voters to be aware of who they are choosing as a leader, and not to be taken aback by future surprises.

Hillary Clinton has by far come as the favorite of majority of Americans through polls which have been undertaken so far. The totality of her unique capabilities has won her many admirers and followers. The incident that happened on stage leading to the further announcement of her illness came as a blow. Surprisingly, her following has not changed significantly but this may go against her if matters are not handled properly and quickly. So here is the case where the health issue of a presidential candidate can go a long way of churning out votes for the other opponent, as may be the case of America, if care is not taken.

In view of this, we cannot overlook the need for a good health condition of someone who is aspiring to lead a nation. Such people must be proven to be intellectually, morally, and emotionally sound. In cases where there is a reason to doubt their health status, voters will have to decide whether they still would have them as leaders or not. They cannot be forced down on us by not disclosing their deadly health problems, and ending up using state resources to treat such ailments. That will be a deception on the part of the whole political party and the electoral commission in the sense of it.

Justica Anima
Adjeianima@gmail.com
Switstica.blogspot.com

Not_A_So_Jolly_Ride

Usual things people do every morning: Wake up, say a prayer, rush to the bathroom, pee, wash face, brush teeth...

It's the 2nd of September from where I sit and there's not much on my mind. Maybe a little on my mind though. People ask me, "Where are you taking this writing thing?". Appears to me a funny question but I just presume they are just concerned and ask with a genuine heart.

Well, I write because that's what I feel like doing at this point in my life. I might as much wanna write all that I wanna say only that I get interrupted with a whole lot of things in between. Like one thing that really gets into my head lately is Love.

I love to think about love. It ushers me into wonderland. My 20-something year old mind can't seem to place a finger on what love is all about. But frankly, I know it's fun. And I like the idea of fun. Can I be blamed? When you are young and all you want to feel is happiness, what else can you wish for?

You see, that's why I always love it when I hear the part of Beyoncé's 'Pretty Hurts', when she was asked, "... What's your aspiration in life?" Well... I think as funny as it may sound, she hit the answer right on the head when she replied, "My aspiration in life is to be happy".

Along the way, we could feel happy but we may shortly be interrupted. So all I'm saying is live within each moment. Beat your chest right away and say, "I promise to live within every moment". When you smile, smile, and when you laugh, laugh. Only yesterday some people joined this crazy place called earth, and just seconds away, others exited. So be happy where you are. Never ever ever ever ever stay sad for long. Hope you get it? Great. You get it!

When I write, I tap into some kinda strength that comes from somewhere called I-don't-even-know-where... Excuse me, is that the smell of rice burning from the kitchen?

Okay, this is where I stop writing crap and say goodbye.

Please, if you've found love, passion, and something meaningful doing in your life, hold on dearly to them. And don't forget to say a goodwill prayer for those of us who are yet to find some meaning in this crazy and not-so-jolly-ride kinda existence.

Justica Anima
Adjeianima@gmail.com
Switstica.blogspot.com