The emergence of auto rickshaws for commercial transport in Kumasi and other parts of the country comes with socio-economic positives and negatives.
Like the traditional commercial vehicles, locally referred to as “trotro” and taxis, riders of the tricycle, popularly known as ‘’pragya’, are predominantly male.
A 30-year-old woman at Enchi in the Western Region is making the case that the new phenomenon cannot be left to men, as she takes to commercial riding.
It is Wednesday afternoon at Enchi and thirty-year-old Florence Aseidu is already on the road to pick passengers up to and from their destinations.
Growing up, she had been passionate about becoming a police officer, not only as a means of livelihood but for the love of protecting the masses but that dream never materialised.
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Florence has now found a new love and that is the driving of Pragya.
After completing senior high school in 2012, Florence had no job to do to keep her hopes alive so she capitalised on her ability to ride a motor to start the Pragya business.
Though the mother of one had worked with the health services before, she had to quit along the line.
“My daddy bought the Pragya for me and I love it,” she revealed.
Florence may not have realised her dream but she is undeterred because her tricycle business generates income to support her family.
In an economic activity heavily dominated by men, she admits it has not been smooth sailing. But she has strived all along and many people prefer her to colleagues male-operators.
“Many people look into my face and bless me. That alone keeps me excited and strong every day,” she said smiling.
Watching Florence behind the wheel of this Pragya you can’t help but marvel at the ease with which she does it.
The excitement on her face is evident despite the fact that this is not the glamorous job she dreamt of.
Florence says she is not about to stop in her quest to become the best in the town.
Now, more than ever, she is determined to generate more money from the business and encourage more ladies to venture into riding and even driving.
For now, she makes between 70 and 80 cedis compared to 100 cedis in the past.
Florence says she is ready to train more ladies to take up the work to become self-employed.
For her, limiting one’s self to a choice that only seems possible or reasonable, is a disconnection an individual truly wants to achieve.
See some more photos of Florence as she proudly displays her tricycle:
