The Migration Processes in Ghana: The Case of Northern Migrants

Abstract

Over the past four decades, Accra has witnessed an increasing influx of young
women who migrate to the city with the sole aim of carrying goods. This paper
examines the migration processes of these young women, who mostly migrate
from the northern part of Ghana to Accra, in the South. A sample of 216 female
porters were selected for the study. A survey, personal interviews, and focus
group discussions were the main tools for data collection. The reasons for their
migration, the parties involved in the decision to migrate, and how their
migration was financed were explored. The study revealed that the migration
process of female porters is enabled by social networks; the women have
varying levels of social capital, which facilitates movement and settlement.
These social networks increase the social asset base of female porters and
provide safety nets for them. It is found that the reasons for their migration
are related to the declining importance of agriculture and the non-availability
of jobs at their origin, which can be blamed on the liberalisation of the
Ghanaian economy. It is also found that mothers are deeply involved in their
daughters’ migration decisions.