Trotro mates — the energetic assistants who keep Ghana’s bustling public transport system moving — are coming under public scrutiny over growing complaints about poor personal hygiene.

Across Accra and other major cities, passengers have expressed frustration over what they describe as “unbearable odour” and “untidy appearances” of some mates, particularly during long or crowded commutes. Many say the issue is becoming a major discomfort in an already stressful daily journey.

“I take a trotro to work every day, and sometimes the smell inside is just too much,” one commuter at the Kaneshie station told MyJoyOnline. “We understand the job is tough, but hygiene should be taken seriously.”

The complaints, circulating across social media and transport stations, have reignited discussions about cleanliness standards in the country’s public transport sector. Health experts warn that beyond personal discomfort, poor hygiene can lead to bacterial infections and create unsanitary conditions in confined spaces like trotros.

Dr. Efua Koomson, a public health specialist, noted that simple practices such as “regular bathing, use of deodorant, and wearing clean clothes” can make a big difference.

“Mates play an essential role in our transport system, but they also represent the industry’s image. Good hygiene is part of professionalism,” she added.

Drivers acknowledge the issue but point to the demanding nature of their work.

Many mates spend long hours on the road with limited breaks or access to washing facilities.

“We work from morning till night,” one driver at the Madina station explained. “Sometimes there’s no place to freshen up, but we know it’s important to stay clean.”

Transport unions are being urged to take the lead by sensitising their members and setting hygiene guidelines. Some commuters are also calling for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other associations to provide sanitation facilities at bus terminals.

As public debate continues, many agree that the conversation about hygiene in trotros is no longer trivial — it is about public health, respect, and the comfort of millions of Ghanaians who rely on the service daily.