In Accra, hopping on a trotro is more than just a ride, it’s a cultural experience.
The names of popular bus stops, often shouted by mates hanging halfway out of moving minibuses, are woven into the fabric of city life.
Some are named after historic icons, others after long-forgotten businesses, and a few after curious landmarks that may no longer even exist.
Here, The Ghana Report takes a closer look at the fascinating history behind some of Accra’s best-known bus stops.
Landmarks that became bus stops
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37 Military Hospital: One of Accra’s busiest stops, this landmark was named after the 37th Military Hospital in Africa, a major health facility that doubles as a training ground for medical students. Its strategic location makes it a central transit point for commuters.
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East Legon American House: Once marked by a white building flying the American flag, this spot was simply called “American House.” Though the flag and colours are long gone, the name remains, anchoring one of East Legon’s busiest junctions.
- McCarthy Hills(Weija-Gbawe): It was once home to the residence of British Governor Charles McCarthy. The hill takes its name from him, but his story ended in tragedy. On January 21, 1824, Governor McCarthy was killed during the historic Battle of Nsamankow, a fierce clash between the Ashantis and the British near present-day Bonsaso in the Ashanti Region.
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Dansoman Sharp Curve: Named quite literally after a sharp bend in the road, this stop has grown into a popular trotro landmark in the sprawling Dansoman area.
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Pig Farm Junction (Achimota Road): Decades ago, there was a real pig farm here. Today, the farm is gone, but the name survives as a major junction for travellers.
When business names stick
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Coca Cola Roundabout (Spintex): Once home to the Coca Cola factory, the roundabout became synonymous with the brand. Even though the factory later relocated, the name has refused to fade.
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Spanner Junction (near Accra Mall): Born from a giant billboard advertising car spanners, the name outlived the sign itself.
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Spintex Road: Originally named after Spintex Textiles, later Printex, this major highway still carries the name of its industrial past. Before Printex, it was called Anitex.
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Yomo Specs (Teshie): This stop got its name from an eye clinic, marked by a signboard with a deer wearing spectacles, unforgettable branding that turned into a landmark.
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Palm Wine Junction (Labadi): Named after a street vendor who sold palm wine by the roadside.
Heroes and icons on the route
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Sankara Bus Stop: Honouring Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, this stop has become a major interchange. From here, passengers connect to Osu, Kaneshie, 37 Military Hospital, Legon, and more.
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Osofo Dadzie (Dansoman): This bus stop remembers one of Ghana’s most beloved actors from the iconic Akan drama series. Osofo Dadzie once lived nearby in apartments gifted by military leader Gen. Acheampong.
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Dansoman Nyamekye: Named after a powerful fetish priestess, Okomfo Nyamekye, who lived in the area decades ago.
Hotels and clinics that became landmarks
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Shangri-La (located in Airport Residential): Named after the Shangri-La Hotel, demolished years ago but still alive in daily trotro calls.
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Lapaz (Abeka): The bustling area took its name from a once-popular hotel. Today, “Lapaz” is one of the busiest transport hubs in Accra.
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Nkansah Gyan Clinic Junction (New Town): Named after a roadside clinic set up in the 1960s. The clinic may be gone, but the stop remains on every trotro route map.
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Akoko Photo (Dansoman): Inspired by a billboard of the State Farms Poultry Department featuring a big hen, hence “Akoko” (hen) and “Photo.”
- Paloma Bus Stop (Kokomlemle): This stop takes its name from the popular Paloma Hotel, located along the Sankara–Circle road. The hotel, known for its central location and steady stream of guests, became such a busy landmark that commuters and trotro drivers alike adopted its name for the stop. Today, it remains one of the most recognisable and accessible points along the stretch.
The culture behind the names
Accra’s bus stop names are more than mere directions; they are memory banks of the city’s history, economy, and culture.
From factories that shut down decades ago, to everyday vendors who left their mark, and to African heroes whose legacies inspire generations, the names tell stories of resilience, identity, and community.
For passengers, shouting “Circle!”, “37!”, or “Lapaz!” is second nature.
But behind each call is a piece of Accra’s evolving story.
These are just a few of the popular bus stops in Accra. If your favourite stop wasn’t mentioned, you can add yours because every stop has a story.
