How A Colonial Coin Gave Ghana Trotro Its Name

Ghana trotro, the minibus millions rely on every day, takes its name from the tro, a colonial era threepence coin. The coin was once used to pay for rides, GhanaWeb reports. The story was published today, Sunday, November 8, 2026. The news has sparked huge interest across Ghana. Many Ghanaians did not know the origin of the name trotro.

According to a report by GhanaWeb, long before the cedi existed, Ghanaians handed over coins called the tro. The report was published on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 07:52am. The report said the tro was used to climb aboard converted lorries. The report said the lorries rattled between towns.

The link between the old currency and the modern minibus was traced in a documentary titled Etymology of Trotro. According to a report by GhanaWeb, the documentary was produced by Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu. The report said Frimpong Wiredu is a student at the University of Media, Arts and Communication. The report said the film follows the word back to the Ga term tro.

Cultural activist and historian Kwame Agyenim Boateng explained the history in the documentary. He is based at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. According to a report by GhanaWeb, he said Ghana used several forms of currency before the cedi. The report said the currencies included Simporwa, Simporwa ba, Kapere, Kapere ba and Darmaa. The report said the tro became tied specifically to transport fares.

In an interview with Ghana News Agency (GNA), an official of the University of Media, Arts and Communication said the documentary is important. The official said the film teaches students about Ghana history. He said the film shows how language preserves culture. He said the Ghana News Agency report shows that students are telling Ghana stories.

Speaking to Joy News, Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu said she wanted to find the true origin of trotro. She said she interviewed elders and historians. She said she wanted young people to know their history. She said the Joy News interview shows that research can win awards.

The documentary was broadcast on GBC GTV Akan News. According to a report by GhanaWeb, Frimpong Wiredu earned the title of 2025 Best Student Journalist of the Year. The report said the award was given at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association Media Awards. The report said the awards were held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 in Accra.

Madam Efua Mensah at Accra said she rides trotro every day. She said she sells food at Accra Central Market every day. She said she never knew trotro came from tro. She said she hopes more Ghana stories will be told.

Mr. Kwame Boateng at Kumasi said he is a driver in Kumasi. He said drivers in Kumasi still call the fare trotro. He said passengers in Kumasi pay cash for trotro. He said he hopes trotro will get better buses.

Mr. Ibrahim Musa at Tamale said he is a teacher in Tamale in the Northern Region. He said teachers in Tamale teach students about old currency. He said the tro story will help students understand history. He said he hopes schools will show the documentary.

According to a report by GhanaWeb, trotros grew out of wooden sided trucks known as mammy lorries. The report said mammy lorries were used in the colonial period. The report said they moved market women, their goods and passengers. The report said cash fares remain central to trotro operation today.

In an interview with Ghana News Agency (GNA), a historian in Accra said the trotro is a cultural institution. He said the trotro is more than transport. He said the trotro connects markets, towns and families. He said the Ghana News Agency report shows that the name trotro carries Ghana history.

The Ghana Journalists Association called on all Ghanaians to celebrate young journalists. The Association said Frimpong Wiredu won for telling a Ghana story. The Association said journalism must preserve culture. The government asked all Ghanaians to support trotro drivers and passengers.

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