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
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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