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Rise in unregulated world of Accra’s ‘shadow boys’
A popular loading boy at the Odawna trotro station happily going about his work
Amidst the chaos of honking cars and shouting bus conductors at various bus terminals in Accra, these group of young men who call themselves ‘shadow boys’ can be seen darting between vehicles, while directing potential commuters to commercial buses for transport.
The story of the ‘shadow boys’ is one of resilience in the face of increasing unemployment and also, a testament to the struggling but evolving transportation system in Ghana.
According to a 2023 report from Trading Economics, Ghana’s unemployment rate has risen to 3.6 per cent, with indications of rising further at the end of 2024.
Although this number may seem modest compared to other African countries, the reality is that many young people like the ‘shadow boys’ are forced to take up unconventional jobs to survive amidst rising cost of living in the country.
The lack of limited jobs and opportunities has led to a surge in unconventional occupations, with ‘shadow boys’ being a prime example.
In recent times, they have increased significantly in number and can be seen at almost every bus terminal and loading station in Accra; where they abound and go about their daily operations. Although an unconventional job, ‘shadow boys’ depend on this work for their daily survival. Their job can be described as a hand-to-mouth work because generally, they struggle to get reasonable profit for their labour.
Currently, they receive a commission which ranges from GHȻ5 to GHȻ10 per each bus they fill. This price is however subject to change depending on the number of passengers, they are able to bring for each bus. On good days, they can make up to GHȻ150 but on normal days, they settle with a paltry GhȻ50.
Kwame Foster, is a 29-year-old ‘shadow boy’ at Circle. According to him, their job description is to help official bus conductors get passengers for their commercial vehicles, commonly referred to as ‘trotro’ in Ghana.
Kwame, who has been in this business since 2007 after he got injured as a bus conductor, said he chose to become a ‘Shadow Boys’ because he could not get another decent job to make ends meet. Kwame’s story is a reflection of the lives of many others who joined the business due to lack of alternative job prospects.
The life of ‘shadow boys’ is considerably difficult. They face numerous challenges including physical danger, harassment, unpredictable income and social stigma. Many people see them as nuisances and criminals, rather than hardworking individuals.
Faced with unpredictable income, their earnings vary greatly, with some days yielding nothing significant. The lack of recognition and regulation also exposes them to exploitation and abuse. Despite these struggles, the ‘shadow boys’ persevere, driven by the need to support themselves and their families.
Though informal, ‘shadow boys’ have become a third wheel in the transportation ecosystem. In areas like Madina, Circle, and other major transport hubs, they have become an integral part of the system, as daily they energetically solicit passengers for commercial transport vehicles.
Aside this and their work being a source of livelihood for them, they have also made easier the work of bus conductors. In essence, they contribute to the overall efficiency of the transport system by reducing the stress and uncertainty associated with finding the right vehicle for transit and ensuring that vehicles were fully occupied-thus reducing the number of empty vehicles on the road.
However, their methods have also been criticised for being overly aggressive and exploitative. Some drivers have reported being forced to pay exorbitant fees, with threats of violence or damage to their vehicles if they refuse.
Others also described instances where they refused services of ‘shadow boys’ who still insisted on being paid after getting passengers for the car. This raises concerns about the lack of regulation and oversight in the industry.
Their services may seem invaluable but general concerns surrounding their practices have sparked debate and raised questions about the legal framework governing their activities.
Ghanaian law does not specifically address the activities of ‘shadow boys.’ However, the Road Traffic Act (2004) and the Transport Ownership and Regulation Act (2015) provide some insight. While these laws primarily focus on vehicle operation and transportation services, they do not explicitly mention the role of intermediaries like ‘shadow boys.’
Again, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) regulates the transport sector, but its mandate does not extend to the activities of ‘shadow boys.’ Rather, the GRTCC’s focus lies in ensuring compliance with safety standards, vehicle maintenance, and fare regulation.
In the absence of specific legislation, ‘shadow boys’ operate in a legal gray area. Their services, though valuable to some, are often characterised by unregulated pricing and strong-arm tactics due to the absence of regulation for their service.
This, has led to increased calls for regulation and oversight to protect drivers, bus conductors, passengers, and the transport industry as a whole.
Some proposed that ‘shadow boys’ be licensed and registered, with clear guidelines on their fees and conduct. Others suggest that their services be integrated into the formal transport sector, ensuring fair compensation and adherence to established standards.
As Ghana’s transport industry continuous to evolve, the role of ‘shadow boys’ cannot be ignored. While their unconventional employment provides a means of livelihood, it also highlights the need for comprehensive regulation and protection for all stakeholders involved.
The Ministry of Transport is therefore urged to address the legal vacuum surrounding ‘shadow boys’ by developing policies to regulate their operations.
In conclusion, the activities of ‘shadow boys’ underscores the resourcefulness and adaptability of Ghanaians in the face of economic challenges. However, their activities must be regulated to ensure fairness and protection for all parties involved.
As the transport industry continues to grow, it is essential that policymakers and stakeholders work together to create a framework that acknowledges the contributions of ‘shadow boys’ while promoting a more formalised, efficient and equitable transport system.
University of Media, Arts
and Communication-Institute
of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ)
By Eyram Vordzorgbe
Madam Sandra Seyram Kpedor, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Anloga in the Volta Region, has emphasised the importance of parental involvement in children’s education, stating that education is free, but parents need to do more to support their children.
She said parents, teachers, and students must be involved in addressing the challenges facing the district’s education sector, particularly the poor Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.
Madam Kpedor outlined some key roles parents should play to promote their children’s education, including providing a conducive learning environment, monitoring their children’s progress, and supporting teachers.
The DCE highlighted some challenges the district faced such as inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of teachers, which have also contributed to the poor BECE results and called on well-to-do parent to help solve the situation through and other supports.
To address the issues, she also announced that plans have been taken to utilise the district’s common fund to implement educational projects, such as constructing school blocks and teachers’ bungalows at Sodzi community, and 2-unit classroom blocks each at Akplorwutorkor and Tegbi-Afedome respectively, among others.
Madam Kpedor also noted that her office had earlier notified the Ministry of Education to deploy more teachers to the area to improve teaching and learning, and encouraged students to work hard and strive for excellence, and work beyond their limit to succeed.
“To my wonderful and beautiful girls, you have to know it clear that women and girls have equal opportunities to compete with men for greater achievements,” she indicated.
The DCE cited her own achievement as a testament to the fact that women can excel in leadership positions, alongside Vice President Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and stressed that girls were no longer limited to domestic roles but can pursue their dreams and become leaders.
Additionally, she mentioned that a meeting was held earlier with assembly members, and other stakeholders to address the district’s educational challenges and improve academic performance.
She promised that the district’s education oversight committee and stakeholders would work together to address the challenges and improve the district’s BECE results and called for parental involvement and support to boost the district’s education sector for children to chase their dreams to become future leaders for the success of the district and the nation.
She urged parents not to leave everything to the government but rather help in the provision of some necessary materials such as textbooks, exercise books, pens, pencils, food, and guidance to children for the successes of young learners. –GNA
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The spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the implementation of the NDC government’s No Fee Stress policy, arguing that the programme has failed to deliver on its core promise.
According to him on Starr fm, the policy, which was introduced to ensure stress free payment of fees for level 100 tertiary students, has rather turned into what he described as post stress support.
He explained that students are required to pay their fees first before applying for reimbursement, a situation he believes defeats the purpose of the policy.
He questioned claims by government officials that the policy has been successful and that citizens are happy.
In his view, such claims do not reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians. He stressed that while some people may appear satisfied, many others continue to struggle.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye pointed to the situation of trained teachers and nurses who have been picketing for nearly six months, demanding employment.
He noted that government responses suggesting it cannot accommodate all of them contradict claims of economic stability.
He further argued that economic indicators such as a stable currency mean little to people who are unable to secure jobs or access promised support.
He observed that telling an unemployed teacher or a struggling student that the cedi has strengthened does not address their immediate challenges.
On the issue of tertiary education, he maintained that no level 100 student benefited from stress free fees in 2025, despite the policy being announced.
He added that in 2026, students have already reported to school without receiving the promised support.
He insisted that asking students to pay fees first and seek reimbursement later amounts to support after hardship, not stress free education.
According to him, this approach goes against what was promised during the policy announcement.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned why a government that presents the economy as strong is unable to fulfil what he described as simple and clear promises.
He added that there is a fundamental problem with the way the economy is being managed and indicated that he is prepared to explain his position further.
By: Jacob Aggrey
