By Beatrice Yeboah (UniMAC-IJ, Nanaadwoabheathrize@gmail.com)
In the heart of Accra, Ghana’s vibrant capital, a group of unsung heroes toil in the shadows working tirelessly to keep the city’s transportation wheels turning. They are the “shadow boys,” a legion of young men who assist bus conductors in getting passengers at bus stops, vehicle stations, and other bustling hubs.
Their story is one of resilience, determination, and the unrelenting pursuit of a better life.
The shadow boys come from all corners of Ghana, drawn to Accra’s bright lights and bustling streets like moths to a flame. They leave behind the comfort and familiarity of their hometowns, driven by the promise of a better life. Some come from rural areas, where opportunities are scarce and poverty is rampant. Others hail from urban centres, seeking to escape the monotony of their daily routine. United by their desire for a brighter future, they converge on Accra, ready to face whatever challenges the city may throw their way.
Life as a shadow boy is not for the faint of heart. With no fixed income or stable accommodation, they live on the edge, always on the lookout for their next meal or a place to rest their heads. Some find temporary shelter in cramped, rundown hostels, while others sleep on the streets, exposed to the elements. Despite these hardships, they persevere, fueled by their determination to succeed.
The shadow boys’ day begins at dawn, as they fan out across the city, scouring bus stops and vehicle stations for potential passengers. With a keen eye for opportunity, they spot travellers struggling with heavy loads or searching for a ride. With a friendly smile and a helping hand, they assist passengers with their belongings, guiding them to their desired destination. In return, they receive a small payment from the bus conductors, a token of appreciation for their services.
Opinions about the shadow boys are divided. Some see them as thieves, preying on unsuspecting passengers with their tattered clothes and rough demeanour. Others view them as heroes, selfless individuals who go out of their way to assist those in need. The truth lies somewhere in between. While some shadow boys may engage in questionable activities, many are honest and hardworking, earning their keep through their tireless efforts.
As the day wears on, the shadow boys continue their tireless efforts, scouring the city for potential passengers. They are a well-oiled machine working in tandem with the bus conductors to ensure a smooth and efficient transportation experience. Most at times, their voices are heard loudly shouting and calling for passengers going to a specific place, even more than the mates. They are the ones who know the city like the black of their hands, and they are the ones who can locate you to your destination quickly and safely.
One of the shadow boys, named Kofi, says he came to Accra from a village at the north, he had no job, no money, and no place to stay. But since he is determined to make a better life for himself, he started to work as a shadow boy even though it is tough. He added “People think we are thieves but we are not, we are just trying to make a living. We assist the bus conductors and we get paid for it, it is not much, but it is something. Some people call us with all sort of names but we are not shuttered by that. Sometimes, we get to see some amazing things like the sunrise over the city and the hustle and bustle of the markets.”
Twenty-one-year-old Kwame Foster a leader of the shadow boys at circle also said he started working as a bus conductor (mate) and in 2007 he started to shadow (load cars) due to a minor injury he had, in order to cater for himself. He said “Sometimes too I offer help to passengers by carrying their Loads when there are no much public transports (trotro) to shadow.”
He said, when fare was increased the cost of loading a car moved from three Ghana cedis to five Ghana cedis. “Even with that, the bus conductors are not obligated to pay us five cedis for a car we load, hence some refuse to pay us,” says Foster.
What then are the challenges these shadow boys face?
Atimbilla, a shadow boy expressed how they are being treated. He says “we go through hardship here, sometimes when we get to people to ask for a job they even do not mind us and sometimes see us as thieves and the fact that they don’t know us.”
Despite all of these, some of the passengers and even the bus conductors do appreciate their work.
Kingsley a bus conductor says they are really of help to them in the sense that they get passengers on board on for you. They even go the little far to get a passenger.
Passengers also see them to be helpful, some of these passengers are seen a thieves while others are good people. “Sometimes they are helpful, and at times too they are very annoying,” says a passenger.
For many travellers, the shadow boys are a godsend. They provide a vital service, helping passengers navigate the city’s chaotic transportation system. With their knowledge of the city’s hidden corners and secret routes, they can locate you to your destination faster and more efficiently than any GPS. And when night falls, and the city’s streets become treacherous, the shadow boys are there watching.
While their contributions to the city’s transportation ecosystem are invaluable, the shadow boys’ activities also have a darker side. Despite their helpful nature, they often cause traffic congestion at bus stops and vehicle stations, leading to conflicts with drivers, passengers and even among themselves. Additionally, they encourage illegal loading practices, pressuring drivers to stop at unauthorized locations to pick up passengers, all for a small fee.
This controversial aspect of their operations raises questions about the shadow boys’ true motives and the impact of their actions on the city’s transportation system. While some see them as heroes, others view them as nuisance, exploiting vulnerable passengers and drivers for personal gain.
Despite this complexity, the shadow boys of Accra are unsung heroes, their contributions to the city’s transportation ecosystem often overlooked and underappreciated. They work tirelessly, day and night, to keep the city moving, their efforts a testament to the power of resilience and determination. As the city sleeps, they remain vigilant, ever ready to assist, always on the lookout for the next passenger in need. These shadow boys toil, waiting for their stories to be told yet they play a vital part of Accra’s transportation landscape, their resilience and determination inspiring both admiration and concern.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential to recognize the shadow boys’ contributions and address the challenges they pose, working towards a more organized and efficient transportation system that benefits all. So next time when you are in Accra, take a moment to appreciate the shadow boys.
