DRIVERS CHOOSE SURVIVAL OVER REPAIRS

 A level 300 production by Adelaide Esinam Agbelie 

At the Accra Tema Station, rusted vehicles with worn-out seats, cracked windows, and noisy engines continue to transport passengers daily. Although the condition of the vehicles often attracts criticism, drivers say they have few alternatives. For them, keeping the vehicles on the road is a matter of necessity rather than choice.

Old commercial vehicles waiting to pick up passengers at the Accra Tema station 

ACCRA, Ghana  Commercial drivers operating old and damaged vehicles, popularly known as konko cars, say economic hardship is forcing them to keep the vehicles on the road. They argue that the high cost of maintenance, fuel, and spare parts makes it difficult to repair or replace their vehicles. Many drivers say they depend on the cars as their main source of income and survival.

many commercial vehicles continue to operate despite visible signs of deterioration 
  

Drivers say the increasing cost of spare parts and fuel has made vehicle maintenance difficult. They explain that repairing old vehicles often requires more money than they can afford. As a result, many continue to operate their cars despite their poor condition.

deteriorated steering wheel and non functional dashboard 

Isaac Bondzie, a commercial driver at the station, said financial challenges prevent many drivers from carrying out major repairs. He explained that most transport operators have no access to affordable financial support. “The government does not give us loans to repair our cars, and the interest rates on private loans are too high. Because of that, many of us cannot afford to fix our vehicles,” he said.

driver says economic hardship makes vehicle repairs difficult

Drivers say the transport business has become increasingly difficult in recent years. They explain that rising fuel prices and maintenance costs continue to reduce their profits. Many believe financial assistance would help them maintain safer vehicles while continuing to earn a living.

A konko car with broken window patched with rubber tape

According to the drivers, the income earned from daily transport operations is often used to meet household needs. They say feeding their families, paying school fees, and covering other expenses take priority over vehicle repairs. This leaves little opportunity to save enough money for maintenance work.

drivers depend on their vehicles as their primary source of income .

Drivers also believe their vehicles represent years of investment and hard work. Some purchased the cars second-hand, while others inherited them from relatives already involved in the transport business. They say abandoning the vehicles would mean losing their livelihoods.

Despite the challenges, drivers report to work every day to provide transport services to the public. They say many communities depend on commercial vehicles for daily movement. For this reason, they believe supporting drivers would also benefit passengers.

worn out seats and rusted parts

The continued use of konko cars highlights the economic difficulties facing many transport operators. Drivers insist that they are not ignoring the condition of their vehicles but are doing their best to survive under challenging circumstances. They believe affordable financial support would help them improve the quality of their vehicles.

worn out seats and rusted parts in konko cars 

Until better economic opportunities become available, many drivers say konko cars will remain on Ghana’s roads. They maintain that survival continues to influence their decisions more than vehicle maintenance. For them, keeping their vehicles running is the only way to support themselves and their families.

Do you think drivers should receive financial support to repair their vehicles? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

konko cars waiting to pick up passengers