Eight People You Will Meet On The “Trotro”
- By: Esther Amanor | Infoboxdaily
- Jun 17, 2015
- 4 min read
“Trotro” is my life, so I know the details. In and around Accra, Ghana’s capital, no “mate”/ conductor can cheat me because I know the fare like the back of my hand.
But you know what? Almost everyday of my trotro life brings a whole new experience.
Recently, I came across a man who pretended to be deaf in order to avoid paying his fare.
Oh, and I will never forget the woman who sat by me on my way to Circle from Taifa, with three children and two huge bags claiming to be sitting on one seat.
In fact, after these, I concluded that the weirdest people you’ll ever meet in Accra, are people on the “trotro”.
I have put together eight categories of people you are likely to meet on your trip on the “trotro”.
And hey, sorry if I left you in the dark about what a “trotro” is. A “trotro” is a public transport system in Ghana other than the taxi, which seats between 12 and 21 passengers. It is also known as the Ghanaian slang for the popular form of public transit. Tro-tros, “trosky” takes the form of large vans converted to seat the said numbers or more. They are operated by a driver and mate and work along pre-defined routes. The system is best described as organized chaos.
Now that you have a fair idea of what it is, let’s go straight to the point.
1. The loud talkers:
You will know them by the tone of their voice. Until they make or receive a call, they look like saints who do not understand earthly language. But once they start talking over their phones, hell breaks loose, and instantly become the centre of attract, with all turning to see them. Trust me, it can be so irritating when the language is unfamiliar or alien to your ears. I am sure you have met them if “trotro” is your thing.
2. The fatties:
Gone are the days when I used to frown when a fat person approached my seat on the “trotro”. I normally did this to put them off, knowing how uncomfortable they can make my journey. Sorry if you are fat, but I must say that full-bodied people can take up almost two seats, which means you the ‘chingilingi’ (slim) kind of person would have to hang half of your butt for the rest of the journey if they are headed to the final stop. I will not forget my experience with one fat man who joined me on my row from Tema Station to Okponglo Junction near Legon. I ended my journey with part of my dress drenched in sweat. Annoying right? Thats what you endure on the trotro.
3. The preachers:
I love God and his people, but trust me, some “trotro” preachers can be so… (Comment reserved). To your utter disgust, they will scream and shower you with blessings of saliva. Some of them preach obviously for the offertory they demand at the end of their 10-minute or so sermons, while others seem to do it from hearts. I guess you can see the difference between the two by what message they preach. Be it for money or for Christ, they are also part of the “trotro” life, you accept them, or get your own car.
4. The Gossips:
“Eeiiii, have you heard that Adwoa’s husband has divorced her?” And this is how they gossip and trends, as we say it today. The talk, talk about matters that have nothing to do with them. I don’t mean to bad mouth women, but most fall in this category.
5. The Scent
I used to complain about mates with terrible body odour. But i now know they are not alone. In a “trotro”, you’re likely to meet people who will rest their arms on the front seat, forgetting the body odour they emit could kill a fly (joke). Indeed, when they sit by you, you must hold your breath for most of the journey or till take-off. It’s not funny. They can really make you faint!
Of course and there are those wearing lovely cologne. The type you wish you had for yourself, or that which you wish you could ask of and get for yourself. The other type, I amsure you are figuring out by now is that which virtually puts you off and almost wanna make you puke!
6. The disrespectful conductor/ driver:
They get mad at the least thing, and insult almost everything and everyone on the bus. For instance,if you delay in alerting the mate or driver; or try to correct them over this or that, they’ll rain insults on you like nobody’s business. Mind you, they don’t care who you are!
7. The Fighters:
Lets not forget those passengers constantly on the edge. When the mate forgets to get them their change or if it is not the exact amount. Often they will slap, hit or grab him for it.
8. The Debaters:
Oh, the “trotro” is the best place to find the best debaters arguing over all manner of issues. National issues and topics of concern can be heard the entire journey as if it was on agenda at a session. When one person starts, others join and by the time you realise, you have a courtroom session, perhaps full of judges, witnesses and defenders. Some of the debates get so heated, while others just turn into comedy with everybody laughing their lungs out.
Oh, I love Ghana’s “trotro”. I will forever miss it when I get hold of my own jallopy! Feel free to add up to the list. It’s fun.
Source: Infoboxdaily.com
By: Esther Amanor
