Surviving on the streets of Accra demands more than resilience; it requires sharp instincts and creativity.
Ghana’s youth unemployment crisis continues to push many young people into desperate circumstances, forcing them to adopt unconventional ways to make a living. Among these are the “Shadow Boys,” who offer unsolicited assistance at bustling bus terminals, competing with official bus conductors to load transiting vehicles.
Richmond Amoah, a 23-year-old from the Bono Region, fled his mother’s home in search of opportunities in Accra. After his father’s passing and numerous failed attempts to secure a stable job, Richmond turned to “shadow loading,” also known locally as “Wolɛ Wolɛ” or “Bala Bala.” This illegal yet widespread trade involves luring passengers onto buses without permission from the conductors, earning a few cedis for each load.
“There is no work in the system,” Richmond explained. “I lost my dad after JHS and resorted to this. Some days I make 70 or 100 cedis. When I help people carry their items, they give me 3 or 5 cedis.” His story echoes that of many others who navigate the harsh realities of unemployment in Ghana’s capital.
Richard Aryee, Station Master for the Odawna Branch Number 28, admits that the shadow boys contribute to the daily operations at bus terminals, though he also highlights their growing numbers as a sign of the unemployment crisis. “Most of the time, the mates allow these boys to assist and give them 5 cedis. But the government needs to create more jobs,” he emphasized. While some bus conductors appreciate the help, others express frustration, claiming the shadow boys interfere with their work and reduce their earnings.
For the shadow boys themselves, their actions are born out of necessity, not choice. “We are not thieves,” one of them insisted. “It’s due to hardship that we do this. At least we get something to eat rather than stealing.” Their daily struggles paint a vivid picture of the pressing need for solutions to Ghana’s unemployment crisis. As their numbers grow, so too does the urgency for the government to address the structural issues that leave so many young people with few viable options.
Andy Oppong Dankyi – ABC NEWS GH
