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The ‘misfortune’ of using trotro as a means of transport
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“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 Prophet and General Overseer of Jesus Prayer Ministry at Ejisu Asuasi, Kumasi, and Pig Farm, Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Grace Frimpong-Boateng, has urged Ghanaians to pray fervently to avert any disaster that would endanger many.
“God hears prayers, and intercessory prayers will provide your family safety and protection so you can live long and enjoy life in this world,” she added.
Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Frimpong-Boateng was speaking with The Spectator in an interview last week.
According to her, she had a revelation that there would be a tragedy that will harm many people, however, effective prayers can avert it.
She said that the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) predicted another heavy downpour from Thursday to Sunday following the recent torrential rain that devastated Accra and other areas. However, strong intercessory prayers prevented the prediction, which would have been catastrophic.
She claims that whenever she shares something that God has revealed to her, she does not receive widespread support from people to join her in effective intercession.
As a result, she has urged everyone including members of parliament, cabinet ministers, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and other citizens to exercise caution and pray fervently in order to avoid premature death.
According to Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Frimpong-Boateng the recent downpour in Accra which claimed lives and destroyed property was unusual.
“The sea was irritated because of certain rituals performed and caused it to spew forth, exposing the dirt.” There are still some rites in the sea, and they will definitely surface,” she disclosed.
“Let’s pray that God would burn and destroy the things that have contaminated the sea,” she indicated.
By Spectator
The Adentan Circuit Court has convicted a mason for stealing a four-year-old boy from Kpedze in the Volta Region and bringing him to Accra.
David Kpandoyo, 25, a Togolese national, pleaded guilty to a charge of child stealing.
The court, presided over by Mrs Angela Attachie, convicted him on his own plea and adjourned sentencing to July 14, 2026.
Kpandoyo told the court that he had gone to a drinking spot to consume alcohol when the child approached him.
He said he gave the boy some money, took him home, and could not remember what happened afterwards because he was intoxicated.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Patience Mario, assisted by Chief Inspector Jacob Nyarko, led the prosecution.
The prosecution said the complainant, Mr Bismark Gbago, is a 52-year-old painter residing at New Legon in Accra.
The victim’s mother, Ms Patience Ablordefey Afefa, is a 25-year-old hairdresser living at Kpedze in the Volta Region with the victim, a Kindergarten One pupil.
The prosecution said Kpandoyo also resided at New Legon, where he worked as a mason.
It said the victim went missing at Kpedze on July 1, 2026, at about 18:00 hours.
On July 3, at about 6:30pm, the complainant reported to the New Legon Police that he had found the four-year-old boy wandering around the area and that the child was unable to identify his home.
The prosecution said that on July 4, at about 4 p.m., the complainant informed the Police that after announcements were made within the community, Kpandoyo came forward claiming that the boy was his son.
The complainant and Kpandoyo subsequently went to the police Station to identify the child.
However, Kpandoyo was unable to produce the child’s birth certificate or lead the Police to the child’s mother.
Later that day, the police received a flyer bearing the name and telephone numbers of the victim’s mother, together with the child’s photograph, indicating that he had gone missing from Kpedze.
The police contacted the victim’s mother and asked her to report to the New Legon Police Station with the child’s birth certificate and weighing card because another person was claiming to be the child’s parent.
On July 6, the victim’s mother and her relatives reported to the Police Station and stated that they did not know Kpandoyo.
During investigations, Kpandoyo admitted in his cautioned statement that the victim was not his child.
He further confessed that while working at Kpedze, he stole the boy and brought him to Accra. –GNA
