“On a bus, your eyes, ears, and pores are open, absorbing in the variety, the wonder, the magic of the city. It is a beautiful way to get to know the city.“ George Takei
“Trotro driver” is the driver of shared mini transit buses and operates with the bus conductor. In the Ghanaian local parlance, the conductor is the primary collaborator known as “mate”. This team forms a diadem that does not conform to any formal regiment. Anything is possible onboard such as the vehicle gate falling off. And lo! the comic antics of the mate.
The role of the trotro driver is significant but greeted with a low-value reputation. A bad night for the trotro driver could mean that some workers will get to the office late. The strike action by the driver is loud and transcends the rooftops. His absence is noticed as compared to how a pregnant woman needs her distant husband.
One too obvious for mention is, the hustle and bustle in Accra, surely can be tied up with the trotro driver. Most of it rickety, the chorus of shouts announcing the next stop, the unwarranted horn honks, the needless rush for the front seat, and the great fanfare with which passengers usher in, all add up to the pressure and trotro experience in Ghana.
While it’s great though, expect a little customer service onboard trotro. Like in “Animal farm”, be it the red carpet guy, or the poor charcoal vendor, we are all equal on trotro. Everyone is packed with little or no excuse. Then look out for rush hours where you ought to practice the virtues of patience to wait in long meandering queues to get on.
The trotro hitchhike for cultural vacationers in Ghana is unpopular but a cheaper option. Rest assured you will be crowded into a limited space and to full capacity. Some of our clients @moodofhope tours assert that it is another opportunity to mingle with the local people to satisfy curiosity for the adventures in cultural diversity.
Getting on trotro means, you have opted to be an active participant in conserving the local economy. Its essence inures to the benefit of society as it reduces carbon footprint, given road traffic is aided.
Also on board, listen to jingles on the local radio and some news bits. A treat of legendary highlife music notes preferably Amakye Dede’s will make your morning.
Confer with your tour guide, your cook, or your neighbor, find your way to the bus terminal, or stand by at any strategic point and wait for your bus to catch. You’re going gone!
Enjoy your trotro expedition!