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The term “frontline workers” often conjures images of health line workers in their apparel as well as the major security services in their uniform.
 
But during the coronavirus outbreak, workers across a vast array of industries have found themselves essential parts of the machine that has kept the country in motion, required to do their jobs despite great risk.
 
Many have heaped praises on our health line workers, the security services, and the media for their yeoman’s job in the fight against this pandemic.
 
However, some essential workers like the public transport operators locally known as ‘Trotro’ drivers and their conductors widely called ‘Mates’ efforts to transport commuters in the heat on the outbreak have been overlooked by almost all higher authorities with no mention of recognition.

‘Tro-Tro’ is a local term for any minibus in Ghana, that trip short to semi-long distances as ‘share taxis’. As share taxis, Ghanaian ‘Tro-Tro’ run in between specific destinations with passengers alighting at designated or assumed bus stops, while others get on board. And that is where the risks lie. 

High-risk service
 
But their efforts have caught the eyes of Environmentalist and renowned Educationalist, Nana Dwomoh Sarpong who has lauded their “high risk” services to mother Ghana amid the outbreak of new Coronavirus, COVID-19.

Heroes 
 
He described the drivers and their mates as “Heroes” who must not be forgotten for their exceptional services to the country.
 
“These people [Drivers and mates] are highly exposed to the virus because they pick up passengers and drop some off intermittently; they exchange monies with passengers always. They might not know who carries the virus or not, yet have remained dedicated to their job from day one,” he told Peacefmonline.com in an interview

Rooting for you
 
Nana Dwomoh Sarpong, who is also the Chairman of the Board Radford University College, added that “Words are not enough to thank them for their strength, courage, and dedication. Being on the frontline isn’t easy, but it is very much appreciated. Stay safe, I’m rooting for you.”