If you are a Ghanaian, or have ever been to Ghana, you should by all means be familiar with popular public transportation system by name of ‘Trotro’ or ‘Troski’. Ever since I was old enough to move around by myself, I have always been a regular on ‘Trotros’.

Taking the ‘Trotro’ can be an overwhelming experience, from struggling to get an empty seat, to fighting with the ‘mate’ over the bus fare to even sometimes having an argument with your fellow passengers. I have met all kinds of people on the Trotro and I have surely witnessed so many interesting scenarios.

Anytime I pick the ‘Trotro’, my main aim is to well, get to my destination. I do not have any intention of making new friends. Most times I like to sit quietly and either observe people or go deep in my thoughts.

I absolutely hate it when random guys decide to engage me in conversations which lead to nowhere simply because they are seated next to you. I remember a situation where I was sending an SMS to friend telling her about a certain dress I bought for a party. As if reading my private message on my phone was not enough, a guy proceeded to ask me about the party. And this was someone I hadn’t ever spoken to.

Something that makes me hate picking the Trotro is when a group of friends forget that they are actually in a public bus and not their personal vehicles— and chat out very loudly amongst themselves, laugh at their own silly jokes, play very loud music on their phone and basically disturb every other passenger.

There are also certain times when the bus is transformed into a church/pharmacy/school depending on what is being sold.

In the mornings or during rush hours, most buses are filled with preachers spreading the word of God. I don’t have a problem with worshipping God, or sharing his word, but sometimes you just need your own quiet time.

Read more