Bus stop ‘Loading Boys’ open up on daily struggles and survival

Accra bus stop attendants, popularly known as “loading boys,” have shared insights into their daily lives, challenges, and earnings

Speaking with GhanaWeb's Patience Adu on 'Around Town', the young men shed light on the realities of their work

The loading boys explained that their primary duties include calling out destinations, directing passengers to the right vehicles, and helping drivers fill their buses quickly.

"We are loading boys; we load buses from Achimota to Amasaman. We load the cars on a first-come, first-served basis. We also have leaders we work with. We can load about 70 buses in a day, and we charge GHS 10 for each." Nana Yaw, one of the loading boys, shared

Despite their importance, they revealed that the job comes with significant hardship.

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They spoke about facing discrimination and being stereotyped as unruly, pickpockets, and in some cases "jonkies", disclosing that most of the loading boys are trained drivers and mates; however, they decided to load because they can't afford their own buses

"It is true in some cases, but not all of us; we only help them load the buses, but we are not junkies, and we don't steal, especially here in our domain.

"Moreover, we, the loading boys, are drivers and mates, but when there's no work coming, we decide to load instead so we can afford basic necessities," they said.

They also opened up about the financial aspect of the job, disclosing that on a good day, they can make up to GHS 700.

However, they noted that earnings are not consistent and depend heavily on passenger traffic and the number of buses they are able to fill.

"When we load the buses, the money goes to our leaders, and they give us our share; however, when we get a tip, it comes directly to us. On a good day, we can make about GHS 700."

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PAT/EB