Hot Wheels 2

After needing 7 days, rather than the 3 days suggested by VSO in the UK for initial “moto” (the Ghanaian term for a motorbike) training, I was understandably anxious as I set off on a Sunday with fellow volunteer Nicole to meet with two other volunteers for a week of intensive Ghana-style training.  Leaving Zebilla (population  3,000), travelling through Bolgatanga (population 70,000) to our destination,  Tamale, (population 350,000), some 100 miles by pot-holed roads, the contrasts between  large village, town and city felt stark, noisy and abrupt after the slow friendliness I have become accustomed to.

 As we inserted ourselves into our seats for the second and longer ride on the “tro tro” minibus, I thought, on hearing the sound of small hooves clattered over head, it was “The night Before Christmas”. More evidence of animals later, as the sagging, cracked ceiling above us revealed seepage, and droplets of brown fluid- goat urine and excrement-threatened passengers in the folding centre seats. ( Aisle space is an unaffordable luxury on a tro tro) One gallant man demanded the driver supply a cloth, and he dutifully dabbed and wiped for the three hour  journey to Tamale, while the goats on the roof skidded at every turn and jolt,  responding in nature’s way to their perilous positioning.

And so we arrived in the city of Tamale, found our lodgings, ate, slept, and then reported for a week’s Moto training on the Monday morning.

Goats on the roof