Shortcuts = Bumpy rides: A humorous look at commercial transport in Ghana

Call it comical, hilarious, cynical, what have you. But there is a unique side to being able to take 'intolerables' as light stuff. I know, such things won't be tolerated in European or North American countries for the most part. But I live in a different world! : )

In Ghana, Trotro (commercial bus) drivers love shortcuts. At the slightest sign of traffic ahead on main roads, they branch (off) to the nearest shortcut. While most shortcut routes are not illegal, they are often un-tarred, flood-eroded, dusty and pot-holed.

The ride gets bumpy, with bodies swaying and heads bobbing up and down as the driver dodges potholes and takes sharps turns along eroded roads. Often my bag is covered with a layer of dust resulting from tires digging up layers of dust as they attempt to speed up the street as the driver steps hard on the accelerator. Can you imagine the dusty plight of those pedestrians walking along this route as well? Cough, cough… clear throat… Aaaachuuuuw!

In my opinion, shortcuts are rather longer than sticking to the main route. Why? The driver spends all his time dodging potholes, swinging here and there the delusion that as long as the vehicle is moving, the destination draws nearer. Not always so.

And doesn’t it make sense to be gentle with your vehicle, especially when it’s not a Land Cruiser? It’s no wonder trotros are in constant need of repairs. I’ve been in moving trotros where doors suddenly fell off and we had to stop so that the driver’s mate will pick the door up. And I’ve been in trotros with inappropriate, lightly-stuffed cushions, where metal stuck out and tear at my clothes. Oh yes, my one new trousers and several skirts have been subject to clothing-unfriendly seats. There have been trotros with lopsided seats: either you sit 45 degrees backwards and not the proper upright 90 degrees or you sit with your butt going 45 degrees on the chair. How is that for unbalanced seating?

The sad thing is that trotro and taxi drivers are unlikely to read this. The drivers mates? Nada. They are on the road right now. But I’m sure some of you own taxis and trotros. Could you ensure that your vehicle is road-worthy, people-friendly and clothes-friendly? Maybe you’d find that the frequent wear and tear and constant visits to the mechanic is the fruit of bumpy, pot-holed rides.


Till I buy my own car, more pressing need to get it soon, it’s gonna be the bouncy trotro ride, taxi ride or the frequently borrowed car from my parents.

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After sharing this piece on facebook with a few friends, one reminded me of another type of trotro and we call it, Bone shaker. That's the point! Your whole body including your bones shake when you ride in one! Hehehe!

Ghanaweb has a hilarious photo story on the use of trotros.

"It's a wonderful world!"
Lady Akofa.