For decades, rickety vehicles popularly known as 'konko' cars have been part of Ghana's transport system. They are easy to find, and keep many commuters moving when other options are scarce.
But the conversation around them has grown louder. Safety concerns keep coming up. These old vehicles have been linked to accidents both minor and severe, that left passengers with injuries and lasting scars. For many Ghanaians, boarding a 'konko' car feels more like a risk than a ride.
Unfortunately these cars actually are the only cars that goes to certain location most cars won't go in some part of Ghana, meaning in as much as Ghanaians need cars to go to every area in the country, commuters need to be safe when travelling to any location.
Drivers and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, GPRTU, say the problem isn't just the cars themselves. It's what happens when there is no real support to replace them. They are calling on government to step in, not with bans alone, but with practical help that makes public transport safer and more comfortable for everyone.
'Konko' cars have filled a gap for years. The question now is how would the authorities close that gap without leaving drivers and commuters behind?
Level 300 production by Mabel Andorful
Yes oh this has happened to me before. I was once trapped in these konko cars. The GPRTU must do something about this.
ReplyDeleteGreat write up. Konko cars has claimed many life's in this country.
ReplyDeleteEiii Ama Ghana when will our system work!!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it our bad roads ooo that's why we still keep such cars in the system because I won't go and buy a car over 180k and be driving at katamanso number 2 apuuu.
ReplyDeleteIf only authorities will listen
ReplyDeleteDo you think those men up there can't see or they don't know. See the other time one konko paaa, this real konko cut me I had to go the hospital.
ReplyDelete