Rise in unregulated world of Accra’s ‘shadow boys’

A popular loading boy at the Odawna trotro station happily going about his work

Amidst the chaos of honking cars and shouting bus conductors at various bus terminals in Accra, these group of young men who call themselves ‘shad­ow boys’ can be seen darting between vehicles, while directing potential commuters to commercial buses for transport.

The story of the ‘shadow boys’ is one of resilience in the face of in­creasing unemployment and also, a testament to the struggling but evolv­ing transportation system in Ghana.

According to a 2023 report from Trading Economics, Ghana’s unemploy­ment rate has risen to 3.6 per cent, with indications of rising further at the end of 2024.

Although this number may seem modest compared to other African countries, the reality is that many young people like the ‘shadow boys’ are forced to take up unconventional jobs to survive amidst rising cost of living in the country.

The lack of limited jobs and oppor­tunities has led to a surge in uncon­ventional occupations, with ‘shadow boys’ being a prime example.

In recent times, they have in­creased significantly in number and can be seen at almost every bus terminal and loading station in Accra; where they abound and go about their daily operations. Although an uncon­ventional job, ‘shadow boys’ depend on this work for their daily survival. Their job can be described as a hand-to-mouth work because generally, they struggle to get reasonable profit for their labour.

Currently, they receive a commis­sion which ranges from GHȻ5 to GHȻ10 per each bus they fill. This price is however subject to change depending on the number of passengers, they are able to bring for each bus. On good days, they can make up to GHȻ150 but on normal days, they settle with a paltry GhȻ50.

Kwame Foster, is a 29-year-old ‘shadow boy’ at Circle. According to him, their job description is to help official bus conductors get passengers for their commercial vehicles, com­monly referred to as ‘trotro’ in Ghana.

Kwame, who has been in this busi­ness since 2007 after he got injured as a bus conductor, said he chose to become a ‘Shadow Boys’ because he could not get another decent job to make ends meet. Kwame’s story is a reflection of the lives of many others who joined the business due to lack of alternative job prospects.

The life of ‘shadow boys’ is consid­erably difficult. They face numerous challenges including physical danger, harassment, unpredictable income and social stigma. Many people see them as nuisances and criminals, rather than hardworking individuals.

Faced with unpredictable income, their earnings vary greatly, with some days yielding nothing significant. The lack of recognition and regulation also exposes them to exploitation and abuse. Despite these struggles, the ‘shadow boys’ persevere, driven by the need to support themselves and their families.

Though informal, ‘shadow boys’ have become a third wheel in the transportation ecosystem. In areas like Madina, Circle, and other major transport hubs, they have become an integral part of the system, as daily they energetically solicit passengers for commercial transport vehicles.

Aside this and their work being a source of livelihood for them, they have also made easier the work of bus conductors. In essence, they contribute to the overall efficiency of the transport system by reducing the stress and uncertainty associated with finding the right vehicle for transit and ensuring that vehicles were fully occupied-thus reducing the number of empty vehicles on the road.

However, their methods have also been criticised for being overly aggressive and exploitative. Some drivers have reported being forced to pay exorbitant fees, with threats of violence or damage to their vehicles if they refuse.

Others also described instances where they refused services of ‘shad­ow boys’ who still insisted on being paid after getting passengers for the car. This raises concerns about the lack of regulation and oversight in the industry.

Their services may seem invalua­ble but general concerns surrounding their practices have sparked debate and raised questions about the legal framework governing their activities.

Ghanaian law does not specifical­ly address the activities of ‘shadow boys.’ However, the Road Traffic Act (2004) and the Transport Ownership and Regulation Act (2015) provide some insight. While these laws pri­marily focus on vehicle operation and transportation services, they do not explicitly mention the role of interme­diaries like ‘shadow boys.’

Again, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) regu­lates the transport sector, but its man­date does not extend to the activities of ‘shadow boys.’ Rather, the GRTCC’s focus lies in ensuring compliance with safety standards, vehicle mainte­nance, and fare regulation.

In the absence of specific legisla­tion, ‘shadow boys’ operate in a legal gray area. Their services, though valu­able to some, are often characterised by unregulated pricing and strong-arm tactics due to the absence of regula­tion for their service.

This, has led to increased calls for regulation and oversight to protect drivers, bus conductors, passengers, and the transport industry as a whole.

Some proposed that ‘shadow boys’ be licensed and registered, with clear guidelines on their fees and conduct. Others suggest that their services be integrated into the formal transport sector, ensuring fair compensation and adherence to established standards.

As Ghana’s transport industry con­tinuous to evolve, the role of ‘shadow boys’ cannot be ignored. While their unconventional employment provides a means of livelihood, it also highlights the need for comprehensive regulation and protection for all stakeholders involved.

The Ministry of Transport is there­fore urged to address the legal vacuum surrounding ‘shadow boys’ by devel­oping policies to regulate their opera­tions.

In conclusion, the activities of ‘shadow boys’ underscores the re­sourcefulness and adaptability of Ghanaians in the face of economic challenges. However, their activities must be regulated to ensure fairness and protection for all parties involved.

As the transport industry continues to grow, it is essential that policymak­ers and stakeholders work together to create a framework that acknowledges the contributions of ‘shadow boys’ while promoting a more formalised, ef­ficient and equitable transport system.

University of Media, Arts

and Communication-Institute

of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ)

By Eyram Vordzorgbe