News
The ‘misfortune’ of using trotro as a means of transport
“Trotro” is a converted lorry or van used as public transport for commercial purposes. In Ghana, it serves as a means of transport for majority of the populace but the question is; does this means of transport provide comfort for the user? This write-up is aimed at answering this pertinent question. The rate at which ‘trotros’ create discomfort in the country is very alarming. Some of the ‘trotros’ that ply our roads on daily basis are very old and rickety and sometimes spoil in the middle of the journey.
Many of the accidents that occur on our roads can squarely be placed on the doorstep of faulty vehicles that ply our roads especially ‘trotros’. This is something that the appropriate authorities must look at critically before it completely gets out of hand.
Another issue with the ‘trotros’ is the fume that emanates from them to cause air pollution, a situation that poses a serious threat to the health of passers-by as well as people who patronise these vehicles.
Also deserving a special mention is the number of ‘trotos’ that ply our roads on daily basis. The number is so huge that it creates serious traffic situation which becomes unbearable. It is no wonder that users of this means of transport are sometimes unable to get to their destinations on time.
Some ‘trotro’ conductors popularly called ‘mates’ in Ghana also take undue advantage of the increase in petrol prices to charge high fares.
Overloading is also another issue that requires a special mention. Even in times of this COVID-19 pandemic, ‘trotro’ drivers have thrown all the safety cautions to the dogs and load as many passengers as they please, exposing passengers to contract the virus.
Speeding is also another problem that has bedeviled the ‘trusted’ means of transport in the country. It is sometimes a sorry sight to behold when drivers drive at such high speed posing danger to passengers. Passengers who gather courase to challenge this unruly behaviour are tagged and described in unprintable words. It is not surprising that accidents have become the new normal in Ghana.
It is the candid opinion of this writer that, as a matter of urgency, if this problem is not dealt with, many people will be consumed by road accident.
MAJORINE NUEKUOR TETTEH
Level 300
Ghana Institute of Journalism
Email: tettehmajorine1@gmail.com
A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his role in a 2022 robbery at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.
The convict, Dominic Ofori, also known as Fanta, was arrested on 16th February 2026 after years on the run. He pleaded guilty before the Bekwai Circuit Court to robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 Act 29, and was accordingly sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
On March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning to attack a mining site at Manso Akwasiso to rob the owner of gold concentrate. Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated operation and laid an ambush at the site.
At about 5:30 pm the same day, four-armed men arrived at the site, fired indiscriminately, and robbed the miners of their gold concentrate. The police team on surveillance intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Three of the suspects, Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi, sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival at St Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum. Dominic Ofori escaped at the time but was later arrested and put before the court.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating violent crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Isaac Boafo, also known as “Duabo King,” for allegedly publishing false news intended to cause fear and panic.
Police said the arrest follows a viral TikTok video in which Boafo claimed that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols in Asafo.
Officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended Boafo after receiving intelligence about the video.
During questioning, he admitted to creating the video to attract views and engagement online, and acknowledged that he could not prove the allegations.
Boafo also admitted making comments about the President of the Republic for content purposes and could not defend those statements.
He has been formally charged and is in detention as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police have warned the public against publishing or sharing false information on social media, noting that such acts can cause fear, panic, and damage reputations.
They said anyone found engaging in similar conduct will face legal action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
