Some commercial drivers at the Odawna lorry station in Accra have admitted to using drugs to double their round trips to make more sales.
Substances including marijuana, cocaine and tramadol, often concealed in sweets or toffees, are consumed to boost their energy levels to work longer hours.
This confirms the fears of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), which admits many of its members get high before they take passengers on a journey, although they are unable to fish them out.
Despite the dangers passengers are exposed to on the roads, these drivers prefer to use drugs to help them make ends meet in an increasingly difficult economy.
“We take ‘wee’ toffee and chilled water to drive so well. If you take this ‘wee’ toffee, no Police officer can detect it, and you drive freely to your destination.
“If you don’t smoke, you can’t do this work; the work is hard, and for you to cover several round trips, you have to smoke ‘wee’ to make you feel high.
