A young man preaching in a trotro
Trotro is not just the most popular means of transport for most Ghanaians; it is also the cheapest ways to travel in Ghana.
And for a good reason too. Usually, taxi fares are about three times (and even about six times more when you charter) what trotros would demand any short distance. But with the ever increasing trotro fares, it is not the cheapest mode of transport in Ghana anymore.
The cheapest way to move around in Ghana now has to be through the use of your feet. But if you're still looking for a way to enjoy some quality trotro time without spending much, we've got you covered.
Here is all the way you can avoid paying trotro fare in Ghana; trust us, they work!
1. Preaching
With Ghana's super religious nature, who would dare ask for money from a preacher man? (We know some incredibly stubborn mates would). Just make sure you test the waters first and choose your bus carefully. Once the journey starts, whip out your bag and start preaching the good Word of God. And if the mate is even stubborn and keeping asking you for money, one of the passengers is sure to pay up in your stead.
2. Wear a uniform
The case of uniforms in Ghanaian buses comes with a caveat; maintain the look associated with the uniform. If you are already a police, army or naval officer, this should be easier for you. If you, however, have to fake it, make a convincingly good impression.
3. Sit behind someone you know
Bus conductors (mates) in Ghana usually start collecting their money from the front, so just make sure you are sitting conveniently behind someone you know - a neighbour, aunt, lecturer, teacher, etc. - they will have to pay for you before the conductor reaches your row. It's a RULE!!!
4. Sell medicine
For further explanations, refer to point #1. Selling drugs in a trotro works as efficiently as preaching in a car. You don't have to be a medically qualified or a certified drug vendor, just sells drugs that solve common Ghanaian ailments - painkillers, vitality enhancements or dewormers, most especially dewormers.
5. Pick the bus of your driver/mate friend
An old classmate who is now a drivers mate or even the driver himself is an automatic way to save some bus fare.
There you have it, all the way you can enjoy free transportation in Ghana. Tell us if any of these work for you
