After Kumasi , the group drove back through the Cape to see two brilliant sights in Ghana . The Kakum National Park is comprised of mostly undisturbed virgin rainforest. Excellent walking tours (and a canopy walkway) through the forest provide the opportunity to see much of Ghana's indigenous plant life, as well as rare butterflies, birds and game (that could include the extraordinary bongo and forest elephant). The brave participants took a walk on the 350 metre long and 35 metre high canopy walk, the only such walk in West Africa . The rain forest views from the height was breath taking and the swinging canopy walk not for the fainthearted. Afterwards, the group visited one of the remaining landmarks from the slave trade era. The Elmina Castle was the site of some of mankind's most unfortunate events and the exit point for many hundreds of thousands of Africans shipped off to slavery. It was quite poignant standing in the dungeons that housed so many, re-enacting some of the horrors that took place there and walking through the "Door of no return" - the exit leading to the ships. The castle, recognised as a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO is a must see for anyone interested in finding out more about the events of the slave era.

Afterwards, it was back to Accra , where the group organised a volunteer event for young entrepreneurs. Working in partnership with Pan African Students Summit (www.panafricanstudentsummit.org), the group held an event to learn about doing business in Ghana , deliver presentations on business planning and raising finance as well as reviewing business plans for entrepreneurs venturing into poultry, tourism and fishing businesses. It was a good mix of work and fun as everyone got to spend time in the sun afterwards, swim in the warm ocean, surf and have a barbecue. There were stimulating discussions about a wide range of subjects and dancing till very late. We also met with officials of Guinness Ghana (www.diageo.com) and GSK (www.gsk.com) to learn more about doing business in Ghana and the challenges faced in their industries. Pamela Djamson (Guinness Ghana ) outlined some of the company's CSR work supporting the health, sports (go! Black Stars at the 2006 world cup), culture and education. Sam Nkansah (GSK) led discussions on some of the challenges of drug control and distribution in the African markets.

Then it was off to the market to see one of the largest markets in Africa . There, a few people sharpened their negotiation skills buying fabrics and other souvenirs from the country.

And then, it was off to Nigeria! After a fairly nail biting race to catch the flight to Lagos, the group was welcomed to Nigeria with a dinner hosted by First Securities Discount House (www.fsdh-ltd.com) on behalf of Lagos based Alumni and RAB members. Hosted at the chic Saipan restaurant, it was fun to meet this group of successful business leaders and the event continued till almost midnight. Attendees included Alero Otobo, Rilwan Belo-Osagie, Osaze Osifo, Tayo Emdem, Ayo Gbeleyi, Femi Lijadu, Mark Riksen and Orlando Ojo.

The first full day in Nigeria consisted of a series of visits to leading businesses in Lagos . The first stop was a visit to Oando Plc (www.oandoplc.com) where participants were received by a group including Osaze Osifo, Tokunbo Ishmael and Femi Adeyemo (London Business School alumni). The company's presentation highlighted the successful entrance and growth of the company to the Nigerian market and its expansion to West Africa as well as listings in Nigeria and South Africa. It was also a good general discussion on the energy industry in Nigeria. Everyone found a few minutes in-between the presentation to catch the solar eclipse from the 10th floor window.

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