The name "tro-tro" derives from the old Ga word meaning three pence (the unit of currency used during the period of British rule in Ghana). At the time, three pence was the going rate for a single ride in the public transport vehicles that came to be known by the same name. Historically, tro-tros were Bedford trucks converted to hold passengers seated on wooden benches.
Today, a tro-tro is a catch-all phrase for any public transport vehicle in Ghana that is privately owned and may be hailed at points along its route. The most usual vehicles are small Nissan buses, mini-vans or converted pick-up trucks. Although pence is no longer the currency of Ghana, tro-tros remain incredibly cheap, usually costing just a few pesewas. With no set schedule or route map, however, you'll need to follow the guidelines below to take advantage of this cheap and colorful transport option.
