By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
Welcome to Ghana — where the traffic has a PhD in patience, the TroTro conductor is both a financial analyst and insult specialist, and the roads? Think of Mario Kart… but with potholes and preaching.
Let’s take a ride.
TroTro: The Original Uber Pool
The TroTro is the blood vessel of Ghanaian transport. A 15-seater minibus that somehow fits 24 people, two goats, and a bucket of tomatoes — all without AC, suspension, or personal space.
Each one has a “mate” — part-time conductor, part-time philosopher. They scream your destination so fast it sounds like a rap battle. You better know your stop — because if you miss it, no refund, only side-eye and maybe a sarcastic prayer.
Fun Fact: The TroTro has no fixed timetable. It moves when full. So technically, you’re on African time and TroTro time — both of which are mysterious forces of nature.
Taxis: Negotiation Before Destination
In Ghana, taxis have no meters. That means every ride starts with a debate that feels like UN negotiations.
You: “How much to East Legon?”
Driver: “50 cedis.”
You: “Eii, I’ll walk.”
Driver: “Okay, 40.”
You: “20.”
Driver: “30 and final. God is watching.”
These aren’t just drivers — they’re walking economic case studies on inflation, gas prices, and divine intervention.
Fun Fact: Some taxi drivers put scripture on their dashboards. “The Lord is my Shepherd” — especially when the brakes are suspicious.
Bolt, Yango, Uber: The Fancy Cousins
Yes, Ghana has Uber. And Bolt. And Yango. But don’t expect silence and a mint.
Sometimes your Uber shows up as a TroTro. One guy showed up in a 1984 Corolla with a steering wheel that needed prayer. Still 4.8 stars.
You’re expected to be the GPS. You’ll direct the driver, suggest alternate routes, and sometimes help him reverse.
Bonus Fact: Drivers may ask you to cancel the ride so they don’t lose commission. Welcome to Platform Capitalism, Ghana Edition.
Traffic — A National Landmark
Accra traffic deserves its own ministry. The gridlock turns 15-minute journeys into 2-hour TED Talks.
Some people read books, host conference calls, and even sell shoes in traffic. One woman sold jollof through a car window. True story.
Buses break down mid-road, okadas weave like ballerinas, and no one uses indicators — only hope and horns.
Interesting Tidbit: People start trips at 4 a.m. to beat 7 a.m. traffic. It’s called survival with side hustle ambitions.
Why It Matters
Transportation in Ghana isn’t just a commute — it’s a cultural immersion. It teaches negotiation, resilience, and the power of early morning prayers.
Every trip is a classroom. Every ride a story.
So next time your Uber’s 2 minutes late, just remember — somewhere in Ghana, someone’s in a TroTro with one butt-cheek on the seat, laughing, shouting, and still making it to work on time.
This is Ghana — where traffic doesn’t move, but the people do.
Bonus TroTro Categories
Ghanaian TroTros have their own personalities. Some play old-school highlife, others blast gospel like it’s a moving revival. A few even double as mobile movie theaters—featuring pirated Nigerian films on tiny, barely-visible screens. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a motivational speech from the mate. If you’re not, you’ll get his elbow in your rib every stop.
Fun Fact: One TroTro mate was once heard shouting, “Madina! Legon! Airport! Heaven!” We’re still unsure if it was a joke or a new route.
Taxi Tribulations
Ghanaian taxis have no meters. The price is a negotiation game that could win Olympic gold. You say 10 cedis, the driver says 30. Eventually, you both settle on 25 and pretend it was a fair deal. It’s not about the destination—it’s about the negotiation.
Traffic Trials
Imagine a 20-minute drive taking 2 hours and you’ll understand Accra’s traffic. It’s not just cars. It’s a symphony of honking, roadside traders, potholes, and goats doing their own thing. Add in the occasional wedding convoy or funeral parade, and it’s chaos with a drum beat.
Survival Tip
Never get in a TroTro if you have somewhere important to be—unless your definition of “on time” includes 3 hours of comedy, sociology, and surprise detours.
Why It Still Works
Despite the madness, TroTros connect Ghana. They’re cheap, reliable in their unreliability, and full of character. Where else can you learn about politics, find your next barber, buy plantain chips, and receive unsolicited dating advice—all before 9 a.m.?
Author: John S. Morlu II, CPA is the CEO and Chief Strategist of JS Morlu, leads a licensed public accounting and management consultancy firm. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in auditing and advisory work, including service as Auditor General of Liberia and FAR and DCAA compliance work at Unisys Federal Systems. The firm’s technology products include AI-powered reconciliation software (ReckSoft.com) and advanced cloud accounting solutions (FinovatePro.com), built for finance and operations teams.