If you’ve ever squeezed into a trotro or want to try trotro but don’t know how: this week is for you. Ghana’s trotros are more than transport; they’re a moving part of daily life, full of rhythm, conversations, and connection. Once you learn a few key Twi phrases, you’ll see the whole experience differently.
Every Twi Café begins at 6:30 PM with a 30-minute warm-up to review (or learn for the first time) basic introductions and the Twi alphabet. If you’re a beginner, make sure to arrive on time. This part is made especially for you!
Then we move to the theme of the week. This week (14 November 2025) it’s “trotro life & directions”.
We’ll start with simple direction phrases and travel words:
- “Ɛhe na wokɔ?” — Where are you going?
- “Me rekɔ…” — I’m going to…
- “Me pɛ sɛ me kɔ Madina” — I want to go to Madina.
You’ll learn how to call your stop, ask for your change, and even chat a bit with your seatmate. Expect plenty of repetition and call-and-response, just like a real trotro ride!
We’ll also talk about trotro etiquette. The small cultural codes that make Ghana’s public transport run smoothly:
- Greeting before you sit down
- Saying “Mepa wo kyɛw” (please) and “Medaase” (thank you)
- Respecting others’ space in a full trotro
- Helping pass the fare to the mate (yes, everyone joins in!)
Language and culture meet in these everyday moments. The more you understand them, the more natural and connected your experiences in Ghana will feel.
To finish, we’ll role-play a short trotro journey: asking for directions, finding the right vehicle, and calling your stop like a pro.
Want to practice Twi beyond the classroom? Join us on one of our weekend trips. You’ll get plenty of real-life chances to test your new skills on the road!
