How seven young men have directed traffic for ten years

Traffic warding remains a job many have shied away from, especially when there's no guarantee of remuneration. Perhaps, it's because it does not promise admirable dignity and fame but seven young men, though denied higher education, have endeared themselves to many of us who ply the bridge along the Tema motorway, East Legon. Crystal Svanikier caught up with them at their post of work.

Imagine living in an underdeveloped area - one with no water, no electricity and no tarred roads. Over-grown shrubs and wooded areas dominate the space between randomly placed homes, and the threat of armed robber attacks remains an ever pressing problem for drivers and homeowners. This was the state that the residential area of East Legon was in a little over ten years ago.

There was a particular spot that presented more of a danger than others. The tunnel that connects the East Legon Residential area to the East Airport Residential area, over which runs the Tema Motorway, was an infamous spot where armed robbers would frequently trap cars in the narrow, one-road tunnel and relieve drivers of their money, their goods, and sometimes, even of their cars.

In addition to this danger was the pressing problem of the traffic congestion on the untarred, pot-holed make-shift road. During the peak traffic times, the congestion

would become so bad that vehicles would become locked within an ocean of determined vehicles all wanting to pass through the tunnel from both sides. Everyone that lives in Accra knows that the traffic in East Legon and on the Spintex Road was a complete nightmare for all its residents and drivers.

It was during this time that the patriotic and selfless Kofi Osei from Shiashi, a suburb in East Legon located not far from the tunnel, took the initiative to improve the conditions at the tunnel. He began to direct the traffic flowing through the tunnel from both sides, receiving tips from grateful drivers.

Now, he's single-handedly organized a system of community traffic managers for the East Legon/ Spintex tunnel. He and his team of dedicated servicemen also weed the surrounding area and maintain the road condition in the tunnel itself, as it often gets flooded with dirt and sand with each downpour.

For the residents and regulars of the East Legon/ Spintex tunnel, these men are a god-send. Even though the traffic is increasing, the congestion is no longer a chaotic and unorganized mess. Twice a day, every day the residents of East Legon and East Airport come into contact with these local stars, to the extent that the tunnel managers have established congenial relationships with various drivers.

However, for the majority of drivers using the tunnel, these men remain unknown social heroes, men that we tip occasionally, but remain eternally grateful to. Sunday World gets up close and personal with the tunnel team.

The team consists of Akbah Star, Amuzu Yaw, Kofi Osei, Lucas, Barry Osei, Dela, and Frank Asiedu. Their daily schedule is organized into three shifts of two workers, one man each captains either of the tunnel's entrance to control and direct the traffic. The day begins with the first shift at 6am. The first shift ends at 11am and the second shift runs from that time until 4pm, at which time, the last two men come on duty until their closing time of 6pm. Some members of the team leave as far as Achimota every morning to come to commence work in the mornings, usually staying the whole day to make sure the job gets done.

Working for, and living off, the tips given to them by grateful and generous drivers, on a good day, a manager can make as much as ¢100, 000 a day. However, on an average day, they manage with ¢50, 000. Instead of working along a system of communal collection and equal distribution, the tips that each man collects remain his own, but if he has had what they call 'a good luck day', then more often than not, he will donate a percentage of his earnings to his fellow shift member.

The hazards associated with the job they have taken upon themselves are evident. Reckless and irresponsible drivers occasionally hurl insults at these fruitful compatriots who have dedicated their time and energy to stem chaos and disorder at the tunnel. Akbah Star, an assiduous member has even been hit by a fast moving vehicle, when the driver refused to stop.

The team has also been instrumental in helping the East Legon Police station reduce the occurrence of armed robberies in the immediate surroundings from the approximately four times a week to no reported cases. Inspector A.O. Adjei of the East Legon Police Station said that the Police Officers do recognize the work they are doing and commend them for it.

Kofi Osei acknowledges the support of Action Faith Church (located along the Spintex road) as playing a prominent role in his taking the initiative to begin this service he and his determined team provide the community.

For him this job is a way to make money and be enterprising without resorting to criminal activities. He is proud of the way that he has built a strong and dynamic team of individuals that daily make a difference to the lives of the East Legon and East Airport residents. Kofi is married with a child.

"It is important that every Ghanaian makes his community and country his responsibility because it belongs to no one else," he encouraged.

The Tunnel Team, as they have become affectionately known, is a group of responsible citizens and role models for other Ghanaians to emulate. Not only have they reliably and maturely helped manage a formerly unbearable community problem, but they are also making a honest living. Sunday World says "THANK YOU!"