National Theatre

Vicky and I are the only guests in our small hotel attending the conference. However because the hotel is due to house delegates to the conference it has been given police protection. So since Wednesday we have been guarded by up to three armed police at any one time.

Yesterday we held our event presenting the findings of our research into the impact of European free trade deals in Mexico and South Africa.

Speakers from Ghana and the Philippines presented their analysis of the impact of free trade agreements in their regions.

With rooms at a premium when the UN comes to town delegates are scattered across Accra. Last night we met up with colleagues from organisations in North America, Europe and Africa at a restaurant in East Legon. Rice fish beer and discussions about the chances of a World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting in May. East Lagon is 20 minutes drive across town and the evening was completed with me directing the taxi driver on how to get back.

This morning a ten minute walk from the National Theatre where the Civil Society Forum is held to the National Conference Centre to register for the conference centre. Ten minutes and a few extra degrees of air conditioning, literally is appears to allow for the wearing of suits.

Work is still going on to finalise the conference centre. Here workers paint the back fence. Behind them is the Accra racecourse.