WHEN CARS BECOMES SCRAP : The hidden cost of keeping them alive (KONKO CARS)

A LEVEL 300 PRODUCTION BY SANDRA AFUA  DADZI

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

   KONKO CAR

In Ghana, both in busy cities like Accra and Kumasi and in small villages, a car is not just for comfort it is survival. People depend on cars to go to work, transport goods to the market, carry passengers, and support their families. For many drivers, especially taxi drivers and “trotro” operators, their car is their main source of income and without it, they cannot earn a living.

However, many of these cars are old and used. In cities, heavy traffic and bad roads cause cars to wear out quickly. In villages, rough and dusty roads make the condition even worse. 

Because of this, cars often break down and need constant repairs. Drivers face problems like engine faults, brake failure, overheating, and electrical issues.These repairs may seem small at first, but they happen often.

 A driver may fix one problem today and face another one tomorrow. Over time, the cost of these repairs becomes very high. The money spent on fixing the car reduces what is left for food, school fees, rent, and other basic needs. Some drivers even borrow money just to keep their cars running

                                                                    KONKO CARS

In Ghana, buying a new or better car is very expensive. Because of this, many drivers have no choice but to continue repairing their old vehicles. They manage with second hand parts or temporary fixes just to keep the car moving. But these solutions do not last long, and the problems keep coming back.

Old cars also consume more fuel, which increases daily expenses. Sometimes, they break down on the road, causing delays and loss of customers. Passengers may avoid such cars because they are not safe or reliable.

This reduces the driver’s income and adds more pressure. With time, the total cost of repairs becomes more than the value of the car itself. Even then, some drivers still try to fix it because they cannot afford a replacement. 

Eventually, the car stops working completely. It is then sold as scrap, used for spare parts, or left to rust by the roadside.This situation is common in both cities and villages across Ghana. 

It is not just about cars getting old it is about the financial struggles people face every day. In the end, scrap cars are more than broken machines. They show the hardship, effort, and determination of people trying to survive and make a living.