Rural-Urban Migration In Ghana: The Story Of A 10-Year-Old Girl
Amina, a 10-year-old girl originally from Kumbungu in the northern region, now residing in Accra, Ghana, told me about her heart-wrenching experience. She revealed that her parents had abandoned her at the tender age of eight, citing their inability to provide for her due to poverty. What struck me the most was hearing her describe the countless nights she went to bed hungry, unable to sustain herself.
Amina explained that it was only by the grace of God that she crossed paths with Mariama Gomda, another Kayayei (returnee), who came to her rescue. This connection ultimately led her to migrate safely to Accra, where she now works as a Kayayei, carrying loads on her head for a living. Her story is one that could move anyone to tears, given the immense suffering she endured.
In contrast, there’s the story of 13-year-old Barikisu, who migrated from Talensi in the Upper East Region to Accra to work as a Kayayei. Her experience has enabled her to save money and support her family in the north, despite the numerous challenges she faces while working in the city.
These are just two of the thousands of touching tales of young female migrants who operate as ‘Kayayei’ in various Ghanaian cities, all in search of better employment opportunities and living conditions. Kayayei are young women and girls who earn a livelihood by carrying loads in urban lorry parks and markets. The word “Kayayei” is a combination of the Hausa word “kaya,” meaning load, luggage, goods, or burden, and the Ga word “yei,” meaning women and females.
Most of these young female migrants come from the three northern regions of Ghana: Northern, Upper East, and Upper West Regions. Their primary destinations are the markets in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions. Typically, these rural-urban migrants leave their home regions around the ages of 13 to 17 and stay in their destination cities for a maximum of five years. While economic reasons are the primary motivation for this migration, factors like marriage and access to education also play a role.
The life of a Kayayei is marked by precarity, lack of job security, low wages, and difficult living conditions. They face stigma and discrimination from employers and the public and are highly vulnerable to sexual abuse. However, the promise of earning income and sending remittances home often outweighs the risks associated with discontinuing education and working in unsafe environments.
According to a 2018 report by three NGOs (Forward UK, PAYDP, and ACDEP), the flow of young women and girls migrating to become Kayayei peaks twice a year. This happens during the dry season when there is little farming activity in the north and during the Christmas holidays when there is increased marketing activity in Accra. The report also highlights Tamale as an increasingly popular destination for Kayayei from the northern communities.
Migration, defined as the movement of people across boundaries to establish new or semi-permanent residences, has multiple reasons. Poverty is identified as a major driving force, among other factors such as war, natural disasters, cultural and religious reasons, unfavorable weather conditions, and more. In Ghana, internal migration, particularly north-south migration, has been a prevalent phenomenon for decades. The majority of Ghanaian migrants remain within the country, with many moving from rural to urban areas in search of economic and educational opportunities. More than half of these internal migrants travel to Accra and the Ashanti Region.
The Kayayei phenomenon in Ghana has both positive and negative aspects. Some argue that it provides relief to the young women and their families, allowing them to earn modest sums to support their loved ones back home. However, the high risks involved, especially for girls as young as 9 to 17, have raised concerns. Calls for government intervention and support for education as an alternative are becoming more prominent.
Despite the challenges they face, Kayayei contribute significantly to national development, as they represent a substantial labor force. Their numbers play a crucial role in various aspects, including voting and elections.
Experts point out that the issues surrounding migration are complex, and its impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is significant. While Ghana benefits from immigrant contributions, the brain drain effects of migration cannot be ignored.
The key question remains: How does rural-urban migration in Ghana impact the lives of young female migrants, especially the Kayayei? It’s a matter that necessitates careful consideration, as the well-being and future of these young lives are at stake.
Various perspectives on the Kayayei phenomenon highlight the need for sustainable solutions. Suggestions include enrolling girls below 18 in school to shape their futures, providing access to services and protection for those above 18 during their migration and work as Kayayei, and addressing the root causes of poverty that lead to migration.
Rural-urban migration in Ghana, particularly involving young female migrants like Kayayei, presents a complex situation with both positive and negative elements. It’s a critical issue that demands close scrutiny, as it affects the lives of countless young individuals and the development of Ghana as a whole.
Source: Michael Sarpong Mfum
