/māt/
Definition:
In Ghanaian street parlance, MATE refers to the assistant to a commercial bus driver, especially within the Trotro transport system—Ghana’s most widely used form of public transit. A Mate’s primary responsibilities include calling out destinations, helping passengers board and alight, and collecting fares. Though informal, this role is essential to the daily functioning of public transportation across Ghana.
The word “MATE” is derived from the English “assistant” or “partner,” but in Ghana, it has evolved into a full-fledged occupational term. You’ll often hear Mates calling out from moving buses: “Circle! Circle! One seat left!” They are recognizable by their loud voices, hand gestures, and quick math skills, as they must often calculate change for multiple passengers at once.
“MATEs” are known for their street smarts and agility, frequently hopping on and off moving buses in traffic. They act as a bridge between the driver and the commuters. In urban Ghana, a Trotro without a “MATE” is virtually non-functional.
In pidgin, someone might say: “The MATE chop my change oh!” (The mate didn’t give me my balance!)
Synonyms: “Conductor,” “Driver’s assistant,” “Fare collector”
Antonyms: “Agbero,” “Passenger,” “Sharp guy,” “Driver”
Listen to how MATE is pronounced in this short video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “MATE, abeg I go drop for next junction.”
- Formal: “The MATE collected the fares while ensuring passengers were seated properly.”
- Idiomatic: “No argue with MATE, na dem dey run the street.”
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The term “MATE” originated from the English maritime and transport vocabulary where it refers to an assistant or co-worker, such as a first mate on a ship. In Ghana, this term was repurposed during the colonial and post-colonial periods when public transportation systems started to evolve, and commercial minibuses (trotros) became common.
As these buses required someone to manage the flow of passengers, take fares, and assist with logistics, the role naturally developed, and the English term “MATE” was applied to these assistants. Over time, “MATE” took on a unique Ghanaian flavor, becoming a household term across cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
Unlike traditional conductors in more structured bus systems, Ghanaian “MATEs” often learn on the job and gain respect for their street knowledge and people management skills. The role is usually filled by young men who may eventually aspire to become drivers themselves. In essence, being a “MATE” is both a job and an apprenticeship.
Regional Usage:
While “MATE” is widely recognized across Ghana, it is especially prominent in urban centers like Accra, Tema, and Kumasi, where trotro buses form the backbone of daily transport. In these regions, “MATEs” are seen on nearly every road—at lorry stations, traffic stops, and on major highways—yelling destinations and helping people find their way.
In rural parts of Ghana, the term might be less common, as transport is often handled with smaller vehicles that don’t require a dedicated assistant. However, in southern and central Ghana, where commercial minibuses are the norm, “MATE” is a crucial part of the commuting experience.
The term has also influenced Ghanaian pop culture, music, and storytelling. Characters who are “MATEs” often appear in TV shows and comedies as clever, cheeky, and quick-witted personalities.
Who be the wildest “MATE” you don jam before? Drop your sentence or story using the word “MATE” for comment section.