Day 9 - Kumasi Here We Come!

After packing up all of our things and a wake up call of 6:30, we hopped on the bus to Kumasi, Ghana’s second largest city. We were lucky and got an upgraded bus with more space for us and our luggage. We were all excited for our three night, four day adventure to Kumasi and Cape Coast. 


The ride was bumpy, which kept us all on our toes. Roads here in Ghana are mostly dirt roads with many potholes - and we're talking REALLY big potholes - causing drivers to avoid them at all cost, even if that means driving on the opposite side of the road. Some of the fellows played a game called wavelength to keep entertained; others slept, read, or played on their phone. We had one pit stop at a washroom that we had to pay to use. Along the way, we were served lunch of jollof and chicken. Yum! 




We arrived at our new hotel at 3:40 pm and took a small break before our guest lecture on Women and Entrepreneurship by Dr. Rudith King.

Dr. King presented on the informal market in Ghana and how it contributes to their economy. We learned that 86% of Ghana’s economy is a direct result of the informal market, mainly formed by women. 


Those in the informal economy tend to have a lower education and struggle with poverty. Many will buy products wholesale from retailers like Melcom's, then sell on the streets or markets. It was very interesting to learn about the informal economy, women entrepreneurship in Ghana, and to see it firsthand in Accra and Kumasi. After the lecture, I was able to give my gift - a Cheer Bag from the non-profit I work at back at home. 



We then had a delicious dinner at Casa Nostra where we tried Egg Soup and other traditional Ghanaian foods. Some of us commented it was the best restaurant they've ever been to!



Afterwards, the fellows were excited to cool off in the hotel's swimming pool! After a rendezvous and quick swim, the fellows went to bed, excited for the upcoming days in Kumasi and Cape Coast.


Mandy 

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