It’s quite fascinating to know that a male dominated occupation is gradually being filled by women. Being a “Trotro-mate” in Ghana used to be a job done by only males but lately, women are getting involved.
In the public transport industry commonly known as trotro/troski, the mate is the assistant to the driver. The job description of “Trotro-mate” is a bit tedious but interesting.
Firstly, he needs to ensure that the vehicle is filled up with passengers and so one will always hear them shouting repeatedly at the top of their lungs; the various towns (Lapaz, Dansoman, Kaneshie), alerting potential passengers the destination of the vehicle.
They also make sure passengers are seated and paid their fares while the driver focuses on driving. And when a passenger is ready to alight, they inform the driver to stop.
Simple as it seems, it’s not. There’s a lot of mental work involved in this job. It takes emotional intelligence to be a liaison between the driver and the passenger.
Also, to collect the fares, give everyone change correctly and give accurate accounts to the driver at the end of the day, that’s accounting and mathematical calculations and these guys are good with that.
The level of intelligence has been downplayed by so many mostly school dropouts are the ones found coordinating as mates.
But if “trotro,” drivers, as well as the mates, accord some sort of respect to their job by dressing neatly in uniforms, maintaining personal hygiene, abiding by the regulations when using the road and practising good customer service, they will go far enough to earn more.
Their services will be patronized by the majority including tourists because frankly, one will agree that to get anywhere faster in Ghana, “troskis” are better options. “Trotro” drivers know all the shortcuts to beat heavy traffic and get you to the destination quicker.
The job of a “Trotro-mate” is becoming eclectic and so gender mustn’t be a barrier.
