A peculiar phenomenon has taken hold on the sweltering traffic-choked streets of the capital.
New breeds of hustlers have emerged from the sea of hungry faces.
They are the ‘shadow boys’ or loading boys who have sprung up and continue to line up at various bus stops in Accra.
This group of enterprising young men has been forced to turn to unconventional means to make ends meet.
Shadow boys, or loading boys, is a euphemism for those who eke out a living by helping Trotro drivers load passengers and collect fares, earning a commission of usually from GH₵ 2 to GH₵ 10 per bus they help fill.
Due to the vibrant nature of the commercial transport business, being a shadow boy is now a cash cow, as they earn more than the daily wages of bus conductors or drivers’ mates.
On a good day, they rake in between GH₵ 140 and GH₵ 250 daily, with their earnings peaking during rush hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Their efforts during these peak times make a significant impact.
A shadow boy may not earn less than GH₵ 3000 and could rise to as high as GH₵ 6,500, typically working about 26 days a month.
This role not only offers substantial daily earnings but also a stable and rewarding income over time.
For some it’s a temporary measure to make ends meet; for others, it’s a desperate bid to survive.
Ghana’s unemployment rate surged by 3.6% to 1.9 million in the second quarter of 2024, with projections suggesting it may climb further.
As the cost of living in Accra rises, many young people, including the ‘shadow boys’ are turning to unconventional jobs to keep their heads above water.
However, what drives these young men to trade their hopes and aspirations for the humdrum routine of loading passengers into vehicles?
What are the stories behind the faces, etched with lines of struggle and resignation?
And what does this phenomenon reveal about the state of the economy, society, and our collective future?
From the crushing burden of unemployment and limited opportunities, The Ghana Report delves into the world of loading boys and uncovers the gold mine that lay hidden to many on the same streets used by everyone.
Richard Tetteh, who began working as a ‘shadow boy’ in 2022, says the job does not command huge respect, but the benefits are immense in Ghana’s economic hub.
The 34-year-old hails from the oil city of Takoradi but lives in Accra and operates in Madina.
“I have gained extensive experience working as a loading boy here over a significant period. My station master in Madina assigned me to this location, where I am responsible for loading vehicles from 5:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. I am well acquainted with the cars that come through during this time and will continue this role until I am reassigned to a different station.
“Every day, I load 28 cars, earning a commission of GH₵5 per car. My total commission is paid after 12pm, once the rush hour has passed and I am ready to move to another station.
“On my good days, I earn GH₵200 daily after taking out my daily expenses covering food, water, and others but if I don’t get a tip or any other handout, I depend on my GH₵140 like that.
He added, ” At my other stations, which are not regulated by my station master in Madina, I typically earn an additional GH₵50 each day. This amount helps supplement the regular income I receive from my regular station.”
Loading boys, or ‘shadow boys’ have become increasingly prevalent at nearly every bus stop.
During his seven years in Accra, Kwame Bempong progressed from being a shoe shine boy to being a scrap metal seller—picking up metal from the streets and workshops for a business that sells it for recycling.
It earned him an average of GH₵30 daily, above the extreme poverty threshold of U.S. $1.90 a day but barely enough for him to survive.
However, in his newfound ‘bonanza’, as he puts it, he makes an average of GH₵120 daily after expenses.
recounted.
“Just three days ago, we almost came to blows when one of the loaders smashed my car after demanding GH₵3 instead of the GH₵2 we typically pay after he loaded just three passengers into my car.
“The mate I was working with had left to be a ‘shadow boy’ moving between stations. They have found that this unregulated role allows them to earn a substantial amount of money.
“A heated confrontation erupted between a mate and two ‘shadow boys’ over their unreasonable demand of GH₵5 instead of the usual GH₵3, even though they had only loaded an empty car for them”.
The legal framework governing the activities of ‘shadow boys’ is currently ambiguous, with no specific laws addressing their role.
While the Road Traffic Act and the Transport Ownership and Regulation Act provide guidance on vehicle operation and transportation services, they do not cover intermediaries like ‘shadow boys.’
Deputy National Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, says the union has received numerous complaints from drivers and transport managers on the activities of ‘shadow boys’.
Mr. Amoah noted that reports about ‘shadow boys’ have been submitted to various assemblies, including the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA), the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
He expressed frustration over the lack of effective action to address the issue, describing it as a significant burden.
He argued that the union lacked the authority to remove the ‘shadow boys’ from the streets, as the assemblies are responsible for issuing permits to individuals and organisations.
Despite the substantial earnings these shadow boys reportedly make, they do not pay taxes on their income.
He said the situation is becoming increasingly problematic and requires urgent attention.
“Just last week, I boarded a trotro at Ashaiman overpass, where the mate refused to give GH₵5 to a shadow boy who had loaded the car. This led to a standoff lasting over 30 minutes, with the shadow boys threatening violence against the mate, only resolved by the intervention of others.
“There is a growing suspicion that shadow boys may have support from higher-ups, as they reappear on the streets almost immediately after being arrested. Passengers are avoiding official stations and waiting in random spots, knowing that shadow boys will help get Troto to their destinations,” Mr. Amoah said in an interview with The Ghana Report journalist Williams Agyapong.
In a separate interview with the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Gilbert Ankrah, he indicated that no official complaints have been received at the assembly regarding the activities of ‘shadow boys’.
He emphasised that without formal reports or evidence, it is challenging for the assembly to take action.
Operating in this legal grey area,’shadow boys’ face no formal regulation, leading to issues such as arbitrary pricing and aggressive tactics.
This situation has sparked calls for regulation to safeguard drivers, bus conductors, passengers, and the broader transport industry.
To address these concerns, some have proposed licensing and registering ‘ shadow boys,’ establishing clear guidelines for their fees and behaviour.
The significant role they play in the transportation sector underscores the urgent need for comprehensive regulations to ensure fairness and protection for all parties involved.
The Ministry of Transport needs to tackle this legal gap by creating policies that regulate the operations of ‘shadow boys’, providing structure and protection for the transport ecosystem
