NAVIGATING ASHAIMAN: THE DOS, DON'TS AND WONDERS

Most people in Ghana even native Ghanaians, seem to take caution just at the mention of certain towns. Ashaiman used to lead the list until Kasoa gained fame with high crime rates.  

Honestly, it took some effort and research to present the facts I am about to lay bare in this article. I could not gather all information but this is enough for a curious mind who needs to understand the crime-geology of ASHAIMAN.

 

The name of the town Ashaiman, meaning "Town of Ashai", with "Ashai" being the founder of the town has several communities. Of all the communities, I will delve only into the suburbs of interest. The township is noted for its notoriety which can be traced to several factors but not limited to overpopulation and low standard of living. 

There are several access routes to the town, on the Eastern side lies the Accra - Akosombo main road, and to the west lies the N1 (motorway), Lashibi, and Adjei Kojo link. The south stretch leads to Tema and the Northern stretch links to Lebanon,  Madina, and Dodowa. At the center of the Town lies the legendary Traffic intersection which interconnects all the roads above.

Ashaiman Traffic Light

source: Google (2021)

IT'S VERY ECONOMICAL TO LIVE IN ASHAIMAN!

As stated earlier, Ashaiman is populous, so it will be okay to say it is overcrowded, though it is shrouded with notoriety, it can be a fun place to be, albeit you will have to play it safe. 

Just like any other town, there are nice and very disciplined people. found everywhere, just as there are equally negative characters. 

It's easy to live in this town economically, with a low standard of living and cheaper food and commodities compared to neighboring Tema. Tema is a noted town but most of its occupants often buy from the Ashaiman market due to remarkable price differences. This can also be contributed to the fact that most local farmers and traders from Ningo to Ada, Doryumu to Dodowa among others, prefer to sell their produce and goods in Ashaiman. Mondays and Thursdays are the main market days hence the town usually gets extremely busy on these days.

ASHAIMAN IS FULL OF FUNNY STUFF

Everything that you deem impossible, is very very possible in Ashaiman. Funny people and situations beyond comprehension are normal there, we have ever witnessed a driver extending his head in traffic from his vehicle shouting "piii piii piii" with his mouth for the vehicle ahead to acknowledge his presence and make space for him to drive by, why? THE VEHICLE HE WAS DRIVING HAS NO HORN !!

PLAYING IT SAFE IN ASHAIMAN

If you are new to Ashaiman, you must play it safe because it's easy for the crooks and thugs who usually ply the streets to identify a stranger. The legendary "Ashaiman Traffic" which is about 100m from the Divisional Police Station is crowded by street hawkers and mini shoe stalls. 

TIP 1 - ASHAIMAN TRAFFIC: From the "Traffic Light"  to the main station stretch, it is advisable to only buy from the shops. You can purchase a used, brand-new dress or T-shirt, though, but take caution when buying phones and shoes. There are many dishonest individuals among the shoe vendors who set up stalls near the traffic signal. It is a RED ZONE for town folks. They will attempt to outsmart you after making a purchase, a handful of pals had dozens of experiences there!! Know where to buy your products, some are syndicates who may want to prey on you if they see you to be an easy target. 

Read this to understand how some fraudulent sellers in Ahsaiman conduct their business."

TIP 2 - CAREFUL MOVEMENT: When walking or cruising in Ashaiman township, extreme care must be taken because it won't be like any town you have ever visited. The caliber of road users aside from ordinary commuters can overwhelm you. You will encounter Wheelbarrow potters, tricycles, motorcycles (in their hundreds), bicycles, beggars on homemade skateboards, and all classes of vehicles, both light duty and heavy-duty, among others.. You must know how to walk, ride, or cruise due to the density of people and their awkward regard to road regulations. There's a saying that "ASHAIMAN DWELLERS FEAR RAIN MORE THAN CARS" This is so because the disregard for traffic rules is optimum, you will often see questionable scenarios like a bicycle rider asking a vehicle driver to move aside for him to ride on! Yes, you read that perfectly right!

TIP 3-BE VIGILANT: Blend in. Anytime you are in Ashaiman, avoid or limit peering at things, especially, surprising and questionable things. You can easily be spotted and targeted. The challenge is you will surely see a ton of Surprising things! "When walking, please ensure that you keep your bag and valuables in front of you to stay safe.". When using a backpack, ensure that it only contains non-essential items. Your wallet and handbag must always be in front. Legendary pickpockets are faster and smarter in Ashaiman, especially when you are in a crowded area like the market.

TIP 3-RESPECT THE DARK!: Just as you take nightfall seriously everywhere, avoid dark corners in Ashaiman especially if you are new to the environment. From 6 pm, from dusk to dawn, there are some noted "no-go" areas for strangers. Never walk alone in the evening if you are new in some of the areas. Most of the criminals become very active during the night as usual. A late friend once told me of a story where he stabbed an alleged robber with a pen when he mistakenly took a wrong turn around the main lorry station in the night around 8 pm during a "dumsor" session. He said a robbery was attempted on him. He told me he had to run for his life when the criminal started shouting for backup from his accomplices nearby. Yes, you read that right!

SOME SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS IN ASHAIMAN 

Although we hear the scary stories, honestly, these stories mostly come from a few red zones, most of Ashaiman is safer than some other praised communities. Here is a list of some safe communities: 

1. Middle East 

2. Official Town 

3. Lebanon (most parts) 

4. Jericho (most parts)

5. Newtown (Some parts)

NB: Places like Atadeka, New York, Washington, Katamanso, Christian Village, Adjei-Kojo, Santeo, etc. because such vicinities are technically not part of ASHMA (Ashaiman Municipal Assembly) but rather under Kpone-Katamaso Municipal Assembly or Tema Municipal Assembly.

WHY SOME VICINITIES IN AHSAIMAN WERE NAMED "JERICHO, MIDDLE EAST, LEBANON, AND OFFICIAL TOWN"

Curious to find out the interesting reasons behind some vicinities' names, we conducted research and discovered something intriguing. We were told that after the Second World War, our soldiers (Ghanaians) who fought needed a place to stay and for that reason, the government at the time allocated certain areas to these soldiers hence the naming. Jericho was for the post-WWII soldiers who went to Jericho, Lebanon for those who fought in Lebanon, Middle East for those who fought in the Middle East, and Official Town for the Officers.

Please be advised that I am currently gathering additional information regarding this issue to confirm its accuracy.

SOME "CAUTIOUS" AREAS IN ASHAIMAN

The yin-yang theory makes life. There are extremely good people in these areas but some bad characters choose to make it their home too.

1. 18 (The well-known community of brothels situated and stretching behind the District Police Station. You know what to expect in brothels, it's a ground for all manner of people, good people and a lot of bad people. At times you can see servicemen in their uniforms coming out of those corners, it's either they are there on a mission or not! for that, no one knows for sure. The simple rule is do not walk that lane or go through that slum after 6 pm if you have no business there! You only go there at your own risk. The location borders the MAIN TRAFFIC LIGHT at the center and the Ashaiman Government School at the back. The local folks call the vicinity EIGHTEEN!

2. ASENSU BAR (Located behind the night market)It borders Roman Down, Jericho, and Valco Flats. Per observation, this vicinity is one of the no-go areas in Ashaiman, we tried to rent there once for a reason but a good Samaritan stepped out of his lane to tell us boldly "My brothers, this area is not suitable for you, take my advice and go look for another place". The neighborhood is slummy, the lanes between some buildings are so close that two adults cannot walk side-by-side through, and you will have to wait your turn for one person to go through first. Bicycles cannot access let alone cars, the crime rate is very high, and strangers and people who don't fit in (if you look gentle enough or weak in appearance) are easily targeted. It's a no-go zone if you have no business there, day or night, you have to take precautions while in that vicinity. Part of it is close to the main gutter that borders Jericho which is noted for serious flooding.

3. ROMAN DOWN. This vicinity borders Asensu Bar, we observed several crimes there in 2017-2019 while staying there. I don't know about the current situation, but I have stayed close to the Polyclinic and in my experience, I have heard warning shots at least twice a week, usually around 1-2 am most of the time. Thieves always run behind my window barefooted in the night etc. The vicinity is densely populated with compound houses, public toilet facilities, etc. Avoid using corner lanes after 10 pm in this area. 

4. MAIN STATION TO KUFFOR STATION STRETCH This is a fairly recent area that has been added to the list of RED ZONES due to the number of banks on the stretch. The criminals usually hang around Keeping a close watch on the ATMs along the highway searching for victims. Some other forms of attack may be a random thug, sensing you out will start shouting "Are you not the one dating my girlfriend?" Once you give him attention, a lot more of his accomplices will join in and launch a deliberate attack and rob you in the process. They use a similar approach to target victims with the "manhood-scare" tactic.

This is how a victim loses his life on that stretch: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/man-stabbed-to-death-by-suspected-robbers-at-ashaiman.html

5. I SHALL RETURN The name itself should be a warning! It's usually quiet centered around a public toilet facility with some weird characters during the day but do not go playing around that area at night. It neighbors the main lorry station.

6. ZENU DAMSITE This area is noted for burglary and armed robbery paa! A friend's room has been swept clean by burglars in her absence and another was robbed on the second day after renting there. Usually, they operate from the main ghettos located in the town. There was one instance in 2015 when we had to enlist a woman to track down a criminal who had cleaned out a friend's room of laptops and phones.

7. MAIN MARKET Certain areas behind the market become unsafe and unstable after dark. It is essential to exercise extreme caution when in Ashaiman, especially in the evening.

8. TULAKU A trading center where livestock are usually sold, it stood out to be one of the most notorious areas a while back. It is now safer compared to a few years back. The majority of the occupants are decent, but some individuals misuse the platform to advertise stolen goods. Yet as said earlier, is now safer than it used to be, just don't go roaming around there at night without a reason!

9. PUBLIC PLACES OF CONVENIENCE

Stay away from most public toilets in Ashaiman. If in town, visit the one located within the main lorry station for your safety. 

Crime can be committed anywhere and it doesn't mean the vicinities indicated to be safe are 100% crime-proof. "In Ashaiman, there are certain social rules that need to be followed to avoid being targeted. Later on, I will discuss these rules. I have very good friends who grew up in Ashaiman, and I honestly love the town. However, it's important to understand how to navigate safely within its dynamics."

10. ASHAIMAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL (opposite the main Market)

This has been a haven for both junkies and petty criminals, it's a no-go area once school is out of session. Under no circumstance should you attempt cutting across that lane in the evening. There was a time when the premises were locked during non-school hours, I cannot tell if the situation is better now.

11. CHINA MALL This is another new area where criminals scout usually at night searching for potential targets. There have been a few instances where Bolt and Uber drivers have been attacked 

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STAYING IN ASHAIMAN

1. Ashaiman in heavily populated 

2. Most areas flood easily with the littlest downpour

3. The traffic situation can be compared to "Okaishie Drug Lane" (Accra central) during a festive season

4. Staying out late or using corners in the night is never advisable

5. You must always be on guard against anything 

6. BOLT, UBER, YANGO drivers, etc. do not like taking orders to Ashaiman, they will say it's because of the bad road networks there but, no, they have their reasons.

 

HOW ARE CRIMINALS TREATED IN ASHAIMAN

Most of the the criminals in Ashaiman are networked and hardly operate in solo. Funny enough, petty traders, shop owners, and market women know most of these criminals and junkies, hence they are always alert when they spot them. For this reason, the criminals prefer strangers and people they see to be weak or easy- targets. If you seem difficult to handle, they might come at you in groups.

Ashaiman prefers quick mob justice to the legal ways of handling criminals. If caught red-handed, losing your life can be an expectation if they deem it the right thing to do. The crowd will manhandle you and may lead to serious precautions.

For this reason, most of the criminals prefer to operate at night. You will be lucky as a criminal to be sent to the Police Station when caught, there are rare instances where thieves run to the police station to seek refuge from mobs.  

FINAL WORDS? 

As with the truth, we have been in neighborhoods where we felt unsafe compared to Ashaiman. These observations were based on the general atmospheric mood, the body language of most people, their facial expressions, tone of voice, and general dress code. Honestly, I feel unsafe in certain areas of Teshie (somewhere down Ravico area) and Nungua compared to some of the most cautious vicinities in Ashaiman. Yet Ashaiman made its name long ago in time. The Ashaiman as known earlier is no longer what it used to be, most crimes are perpetrated at night, dawn, and in secluded locations due to the frequency of mob justice.