Smooth flow of vehicular traffic at road intersections becomes impeded when there is malfunctioning or no traffic lights.
A 50-year-old man dedicates his time to direct traffic every day at Asawase. He indicated that his passion for road traffic control is his Godly gift.
Ordinarily, you will find personnel of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) directing vehicular traffic on most busy roads in the cities.
But Baba Abdullah has taken it upon himself to control traffic jams at Asawase, one of the congested routes in the Kumasi metropolis.
He told JoyNews that this voluntary act is his talent.
“I do this job because it is my gift given to me by God.
“I mostly detect it myself ,” he said.
His enthusiasm to regulate traffic began 20 years ago in the nation’s capital, Accra, before moving to Kumasi where he presently transports goods with his tricycle.
He has been directing the traffic jam here for the past 2 years.
Baba laments some challenges he goes through when controlling traffic.
“When I started doing this job, some used to say I am a mad man, I am stupid and I even come here to direct traffic because I needed money.
“Whenever I stop a car when there is traffic, people who don’t know what I do turn deaf ear to my instructions and start insulting me,” he said.
Despite these intimidations, Baba is resolved to contribute his quota to society by easing congestion on the road.
One perhaps may wonder if he receives incentives for his actions. Of course, he does.
“I don’t beg them for money. I stop some of the cars but some decide not to give me a penny.
“My actions alone ginger others to give me money, 5 Cedis or more,” he said.
Some motorists shared their experience seeing the man direct traffic.
Mohammed Yakubu, a motor driver is pleased with Baba’s help.
“Baba is good at what is doing. The moment that he sees there is traffic in the area, he comes around and direct the traffic,” he said.
Faruk, who also sells at the roadside, says “Baba always comes around to help drivers even when the sun is scorching . People are always happy when they see him because he is good at his work.”
Baba Abdullah says his family is undisturbed by what he does although some people have labelled him a lunatic.
“My children can never stop me from directing traffic because I take good care of them so they understand.
“I help others when I see them struggling,” he said.
He is however pleading with drivers to stay calm whenever they see someone controlling road traffic rather than spreading rumors.
