Inscriptions on our Tricycles “Mahama Camboo” mean more; Camboo Drivers Argue.

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In parts of the Upper West Region, particularly the Wa Municipality, the most common means of transport is the tricycle popularly known as the 'Mahama Camboo.' Over the past two years, the three regions of the north have seen the influx of these vehicles and as expected, 'Mahama Camboo' owners and riders have taken to putting inscriptions on them to convey their sentiments and thoughts.

 With hundreds of them playing the streets of Wa carrying passengers from one end to the other, almost all of the Mahama Camboos have inscriptions on them. These range from religious and inspirational quotes to funny, odd and funny names and phrases. some religious and motivational inscriptions on these tricycles "Mahama camboo"include: “Mwine bimbu” God’s Will, “jah Know Star” God is Control, ”work and Happiness among others.

Other funny inscriptions on some of these Mahama Camboos are "Abuliba" which means flee, “School fees”, “who the hell are you” “New Life No.1” “Bo yinime” what sent me out, ”Kpagalan” which is a description of a dirt or something dirty in Dagaare/Waala language.

In an interview with some of the drivers of the Tricycles also known as "mahama camboo" they said the names are borne out of creative imagination and thinking. They admitted that a lot of thought goes into putting inscriptions on the machines. Others explained that they put scenarios they have been through while others write names of celebrities or their nicknames on the Mahama Camboos. The words on the Camboos are those of wisdom, hope, frustration, excitement and a wide range of emotions.

Story: Mohammed Ali Yelmaana

Isaac Kanyiri