In Accra, Ghana last year, I was introduced to a very unique and interesting mode of transport; the TroTro. The name comes from the Ga word tro, which means three cents, which was the amount charged for a ride during colonial days. The name stuck. There are no schedules, or really, apparent organization, but somehow, these ramshackle vans come along at acceptable intervals and the insider, who can interpret the enigmatic hand signals, can tell where the van is headed. For a pitance, you're on an moving. Patience is required. As is comfort with a complete lack of personal space. Our ride on the modified Ford van we were in contained 16 passengers, the doorman, driver and accountant. My friend and I are quite large people and had to pay for two seats, equivalent to about 50¢.
Learn a little more about the TroTro at Ghanaweb!
It was a little more than my poor wife could take and we spent the rest of our time in Ghana by taking taxis. Affordable and private, very nice for a westerner.
