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The troski,locally referred in Ghana as “tro-tro” is one of the common means of transport in Africa.Here in Ghana,most people prefer the sprinters,the small vans,the Kuffuor buses as well as the popular ‘2O7’ just because of it’s affordability.
Passengers sometimes observe the state of certain vehicles and ask themselves,Is this tro-tro road worthy? But they have no choice than to take a board especialy in the early and late hours of the day,all because they want to escape traffic.
The tro-tro driver is always reminded to put on seat belt and becomes so careful when drivingwhen ever he sees policemen also known as ‘Aban’ stopping vehicles on the high way .The bus conductor refered in the local pallant as ‘mate’ is one particular job most Ghanaian youth and the unemployed consider to be demeaning and fit for school drop outs or illetrates.Though he is paid by his master who is the driver ,he still controls the driver.Chanting the names of places like ‘SIR KANESH’ instead of Circle Kaneshie and waving his hands to get more passengers is undoubtedly hectic.Opening the door every one to two minutes to alight passengers and fill empty seats is quiet stressfull.The work of the mate regards physical effort and also good numeracy skills.
Sitting at the front seat is so free but is gained once in a while.Usually the big men occupy such seats,but now the women are not giving chance to the men.Sometimes you feel you are not in a troski when sitting beside the driver.
The drama itself happens right from the first seat right behind the driver’s column to the back seat.Whenever you see a man or a woman rising with a book or bible,then you must prepare your heart to recieve the Word.But if that fellow is wearing a hand bag, then you might be lucky to know some health tips but sometimes temptered to buy some of his drugs after his influencial marketing.Sometimes,the topic of the sermon may determine the number of people who will pay offertory.If the sermon talks about Judgement day and Rapture,that young boy or girl will try to stick to the phone and visit the social media platforms.Others who have no intrest to will also like to take a nap.
Some passengers will never skip buying whenever the bus gets to a toll or stuck in traffic.They prefer having thier breakfast,lunch and even supper in the troski,by kind courtesy the ice-cream and pie sellers.Have you ever experienced the disturbing loud noise of a crying baby lying on laps of the mother beside you? What about a coversation between two people speaking an unfamiliar language?Also that beautiful lady who has a short destination,sharing decorated envelopes with the inscription of a ‘FOUNDATION’.
It’s also unfair when you pay with a fresh note and the mate gives you a dirty note or a hand full of coins.How do you feel when you can’t stand the scent of the dry fish seller?What about the grease on the mechanic’s working gear creating impressions on your white shirt you are wearing for your job interview?
You sometimes feel you are in a different world when your head set is giving you good music.At the back seat,there will always be a passenger sitting at the extreme left who will turn his or her legs to pave way for others to fill the seats.Thier reason is unimaginable.
Have you ever sat on the laps of your friend when your money got missing or you spent it?……..way back in the primary school.Rising frequently to allow other passengers alight is more work than the mate’s.Talking about ‘mates’ again,some do have good morals,but the others don’t care who you are ,they will ‘give it to you’.
Topical issues being lamented or addressed on radio invites conversations from different angles and sometimes you wish not to alight when the debate is on.Have you experienced this before,’you wake up from a short nap and realised the tro-tro has by passed your destination’.Who do you blame?
The breeze passing through window will make you doze off,but sometimes the fire temperature in the tro-tro will make you ‘busy’.
Passengers get wild when the troski gets faulty and they try their best to take back thier money but the proffessional car owners will refuse to refund the money is the problem is minor.
Life in the troski is head ‘earthquaking’but also very interesting.Without them,our daily expenses will be higher.
