Edem, I’ve known you since pre-secondary school days, back when the nickname Amiko was hatched. Your cheerful disposition is what I love most about you—you’re forever smiling. As Mother Theresa said, “A warm smile is the universal sign of kindness.” Your smile is truly contagious and can brighten anyone’s day. As fate would have it, Sally and you met through the profession. You worked closely together when she was at a firm serving as external attorneys for Goldfields while you were Head of Legal. She has raving reviews about your work ethic and your in-depth knowledge on various matters. We’ve shared loads of fond memories. One that stands out is the last day of school meals we used to enjoy at St. Augustine’s. You and Martin would gather the East Cantonments boys—Saki Scheck and me—every last day of school and invite us to join you for supper. It became a ritual: rice and corned beef with shito, without fail. We’d talk about what we would get up to when we got home. Such good times! Thank you for being a quintessential friend. You were always someone to turn to for wise advice, whether it was workrelated or personal. Your diligence, care, and guidance have meant so much. We wish you continued success with all your ventures and hope you keep inspiring us as you blaze the trail! God’s favour and blessings always. May the next 50 be full of uncommon favours! Julian & Sally Counsel, As your neighbours, we’ve seen your dedication and sacrifice to make the community a much better place to live. Mildred recalls: “I remember meeting Michael at Lawfields Consulting. As a young intern pursuing my first degree, I was very curious about the Law School experience and would ask him a lot of questions. Michael was always pleasant and gave detailed information. Little did I know that years down the line, we would be neighbours—and he’s been an awesome and peaceful one at that.” Thank you, Michael, for all the projects and initiatives you’ve championed in our neighbourhood and for being such a great and peaceful neighbour. On the occasion of your 50th birthday, we pray that the good Lord will continue to bless you with good health, wealth, and grace to reach even higher heights. May all your secret prayers be answered. Mr & Mrs Aseye Akotia Hi Amiko! Not only is Michael my cousin, but he is a good friend and mate from our days at St. Augustine’s College (Augusco). I like so many things about my cousin Amiko, but one that sticks out is his humility in person and the breadth and depth of his knowledge on so many issues. I’ve had countless conversations with him on any number of topics, and there is always something new to learn. In Ghana: My mom tells me a wonderful fact—we had our infant weighings in the same hospital in Tema! From there, our lives kept weaving together naturally. We started primary school in the same school (Tema Parents Association) and somehow, without any grand plan, we ended up at St. Augustine’s College. I particularly remember when Michael and I were selected to represent Augusco at a national wildlife clubs conference in Accra. Our travel was an adventure! We got our exeats and hopped on a bus at Tantri station in Cape Coast headed for Accra. As we say in pidgin, we talked saaaa (talked endlessly) until we got to Accra—virtually no silence between us. In the USA: Every year when Michael visits, there’s always something special we do—road trips to Austin, catching comedy shows like Katt Williams, the good old Aponkye K, or breaking bread at a mutual mate’s house. I am truly grateful for his character. When I had urgent legal questions, Michael responded to my call and quickly made time out of his packed schedule to answer me and set my mind at ease. Cheers to Amiko, my cousin, friend, and mate! An awesome guy, a gentleman’s gentleman. May your 5th-floor view be the best one yet! Augustine Happy 50th Birthday Edem! Patricia Enyonam Bonful The Birthday Journal 49
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