Centre for Migration Studies
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Item Intergenerational Solidarity Of Nigerian Migrants In The Greater Accra Region(University Of Ghana, 2021-11) Abu, M.Concerns have been raised about the potential of international migration in affecting family ties and the relationship between adult migrants and their ageing parents. When adult children migrate and leave behind their ageing parents, it has the potential of depriving them of support and care and could be disruptive as well. In recent years, the flow of international migration has increased in every region of the world. However, the discourse in Africa, particularly in West Africa, has turned to focus more on North-South migration although the data shows the majority of migrants move within the sub-region. This study is aimed at examining the intergenerational solidarity of Nigerian migrants in Ghana and their ageing parents in Nigeria. A qualitative research approach was used for this study. The sample size was made up of 20 adult Nigerian migrants through the snowballing technique. Of the 20, 15 were male migrants and five were female migrants. In addition, they were all above the age of 18. The instrument used for the study was a semi-structured interview guide. The qualitative data were manually transcribed, manually edited and analysed thematically based on the objectives of the study. The study found that Nigerian migrants maintained associational solidarity with their ageing parents through phone calls although visiting was constrained by distance, cost of transportation and border challenges. Geographical proximity was found to be a major constraining factor affecting the ability of migrants to regularly visit their parents. Functional solidarity was enacted through financial support, usually in the form of remittances, to ageing parents. Affectual solidarity was also expressed through love, emotional support and concern for ageing parents and vice versa. Normative solidarity was found to influence functional solidarity, associational solidarity and Affectual solidarity. Migration to Ghana did not have a significant influence on Consensual solidarity. Also, the study found that many of the dimensions of intergenerational solidarity are interlinked.Item The Role Of Middlemen In The Facilitation Of Labor Market Access Of Migrants In Ghana.(University Of Ghana, 2022-01) Okai, K.A.Migrants have increasingly become much more reliant on intermediaries for their migration. Consequently, migration intermediaries or "middle men' have become increasingly critical for understanding of the current patterns and experiences of international migration. The main objective of the study is to generally examine the activities of migration intermediaries/middlemen in facilitating the acquisition of immigration permits to migrants in Ghana. The study employed the structuralist approach as its theoretical foundation to show the role middlemen and migration intermediaries play in the facilitation of labour access entry for newly migrants. The study employed a qualitative research design in exploring how middlemen and migration intermediaries facilitate labour access entry for newly migrants. An interview guide was used as the primary data collection instrument. Twenty-Five (25) respondents were chosen using purposive and snowballing sampling. The respondents interviewed includes ten (10) Ghana Immigration Service Officials, five (5) migrants and ten (10) migration intermediaries stationed in Greater Accra. According to the findings of the research, newly migrants benefit from the facilitation roles played by migration intermediaries. The research also shows that the majority of these intermediaries are unregistered and operate illegally. This research strongly recommends that the operations of the GIS be digitized to eliminate the activities of goroboys who are not regulated by any law in Ghana. It also helps to reduce the human element in the immigration permits processing chain thereby reducing extortion, corruption and exploitation of migrants and the loopholes in the current manual processing system being used.Item Migration And Development: A Case Study Of Nkonya Hometown Association On The Development Of Nkonya Ntumda.(University Of Ghana, 2022-01) Odonkor, I.The study seeks to examine the role of Nkonya Hometown association in the development of their community. The study was primarily designed to explore the motivation behind the formation of a hometown association, along with its impacts, as well as the obstacles it faces when interacting with community and local government officials, and to learn about its participation in decision-making processes that affects the beneficiary community. The Nkonya Hometown association is based in Accra. The study employed the theory of social capital as its theoretical foundation to show how the social solidarity mechanisms are interwoven with resources created by associational entities to deliver public good results among communities. The study employed a qualitative research design in exploring how hometown association contributes to the communal development. An interview guide was used as the primary data collection instrument. Twenty-Five (25) respondents were chosen using snowballing sampling. The respondents interviewed includes seven (7) executives of the Nkonya Hometown association, Ten (10) members of the association, and eight (8) opinion leaders and members from the origin community. According to the findings of the research, the association's members benefit from strong social networks that help them maintain and improve their sense of ethnic identity and self-worth. Their members have access to external assets via a bridge network, which aids in the dissemination of knowledge. The research's conclusion is that the local association in this study was not immune to difficulties that impede the pursuit of its purpose and aims, and even its very existence itself.Item The Socio-Economic Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Ghanaian Transnational Traders In The Accra Metropolitan Area Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2021-12) Puplampu, B.S.The outbreak of the coronavirus disease spread to many nations of the world such that many people have been infected leading to several of them losing their lives. In the attempt to control the spread of the disease so these deaths are minimized, different forms of control measures were put in place by governments of nations around the world. These control measures in handling a health crisis may have unfortunately done more harm than good as other sectors in the economies of countries around the world have been affected. The activity of transnational trade has particularly been affected because, due to the restriction in the movement of persons across borders, transnational traders were unable to engage in their multiple trips to other countries to access and import the goods they trade in. Also, the initial shock of the spread of the coronavirus disease slowed down production in many of these destination countries leading to the delay and shortage in the supply of some goods to these transnational traders. This study, in its contribution to the growing literature on Ghanaian Transnational Traders, focuses on these traders in the Accra Metropolitan Area (AMA) of Ghana and its environs who trade between Ghana and China by examining the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic on them. This study looks at the coping strategies these traders have had to employ to keep their businesses thriving and to make ends meet during the pandemic. In doing this, the study pays attention to the activities these traders engage in that qualify their trading activity to be transnational in nature and why the pandemic affected them and their businesses that much. The four specific objectives of this study were to first, assess the socio-economic activities these traders who import from China engaged in before and during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic; second, to examine the coping strategies of these traders who import from China as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; third, to examine the challenges and adjustments agents in Ghana that facilitate transnational trading activities to and from China have had to make due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic; and lastly, to review Ghana’s response strategies to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic concerning transnational trading generally in the country and make recommendations. Using the concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design approach grounded in the pragmatic philosophical worldview, this study employed the use of multiple data collection methods to gather data from its seventy (70) respondents at different levels. Among these respondents, fifty (50) were administered questionnaires and for the remaining twenty (20), semistructured interviews were conducted. Documents from relevant organizations were also solicited to aid in this study. Guided by the transnational migration theory and the sustainable livelihoods framework, key findings revealed that in the activity of transnational trading among transnational traders in the AMA, where those involved are to make multiple moves across borders and/ or import from various destinations to Ghana, there exists three distinct categories of transnational traders. These categories of transnational traders were identified based on their frequency of transnational movement and their frequency of importation. Additionally, not all the coping strategies employed by these traders due to the impact of the control measures (put in place by the Ghanaian government) due to the pandemic were favourable. Also, the outbreak of the virus not only impacted transnational traders but also impacted agents who facilitate the movement of the traders themselves and their goods across borders. The Ghanaian government nonetheless also put support strategies in place to help businesses impacted by the pandemic but unfortunately, due to the nation’s Ghana Beyond Aid Agenda, most of these transnational traders did not qualify for support. A transnational trade pattern model, summarising the major findings of this study was developed. Through this model, the emphasis on transnational trading as a livelihood strategy was made. However, bearing in mind the many considerations these traders have to make and the obstacles they have to overcome to not only make a living but also provide goods for consumption in Ghana, they should not be sidelined. Even in the endeavour to create a Ghana beyond aid, it should be a collective process involving all and sundry, so through the progression towards a self-reliant nation, all citizens including transnational traders would embrace the results and work towards the success of Ghana’s agenda.Item Changes In Social Outlook Of Ghanaian Exchange Students In University Of Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2022-12) Dzidula, A.N.International Migration has become more rapid, globalized and diverse with many young people travelling across international boundaries for reasons such as tourism and education among others. International education has become a valuable export commodity with many countries working hard to recruit students. Ghana is not left out of this arrangement as institutions of higher learning in Ghana accept international students as well as send out their students for the purpose of studying. (Doucerain et al. 2013), asserts that moving to a new environment has its peculiar effects on individuals no matter the duration of the stay. The main objective of this study was thus to ascertain the influence of the year abroad experience on the social outlook of Ghanaian students. The research employed the use of a mixed study approach to achieve its objective. A total of 60 participants were sampled for the quantitative while the interviews on the other hand roped in 8 participants. Findings showed that, exchange students were exposed to newer styles of teaching which they found more interesting. Also, their views on religion and campus residence were altered after their trip. These results indicate that the study abroad period does have an influence on students’ social outlook.Item Brain Gain In The Health Sector Of Ghana - Diaspora Collective In-Kind Remittance And Knowledge Transfers(University of Ghana, 2019-05) Diakpieng, J.A.Migration is gradually becoming an important feature of globalization, due to the individual’s will to overcome adversity and to live a better life. Several reports have emerged on migration of health professional from developing countries to developed ones. Studies have tagged this form of migration as ‘Brain Drain’ and concluded that health professionals’ migration poses a major challenge to the health sector of the country, in this case Ghana. Against this background, this study sought to fill in the research gap regarding the benefits of Ghana losing some of its medical professionals to developed countries. Hence, the study examined, the ‘Brain Gain’ in the health sector of Ghana: diaspora collective in-kind remittance transfers. Specifically drawing on the pull and push migration theory of Lee, the study explored; the motivation drivers that influence health professionals to migrate. The purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from five (5) medical stakeholders, health organization, and medical associations in Ghana, while the snowball sampling technique was use to gather information from seven (7) returnee medical practitioners in Ghana. The study revealed that, most medical professionals migrate due to poor condition of services in Ghana and their desire to better their lives. These health migrants mostly remit in-kind to the state and they do that through donation of medical equipment, medical supplies and through organization of medical outreach programs for poor and deprived communities in Ghana. Most of the respondents affirmed that remittances from this migrated health professionals’ helps to reduce the burden on government budget in the health sector of Ghana. On the other hand, the findings revealed that, Government has no deliberate policy to manage migration of health professionals from Ghana.Item Resilience Of Irregular Migration of Ghanaians Across the Sahara Desert to Libya(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Akoto, BismarkGiven the rising incidence of irregular migration around the world, this study explored the resilience of irregular migration of Ghanaians across the Sahara Desert to Libya. The objectives of the study were to (a) find out the factors motivating Ghanaians to migrate through the Sahara Desert to Libya (b) explore the sources of resilience in migrating through the Sahara Desert (c) investigate the challenges faced by Ghanaian irregular migrants in Libya and (d) explore the coping strategies of Ghanaian irregular migrants in Libya. A total of eighteen returned irregular migrants from Akontaanim, a farming community under the Dormaa Central Municipality in the Bono Region participated in the study and they constitute the point of saturation. A qualitative study was employed involving both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, manually coded, and analyzed using thematic data analysis method. The findings of the study indicated that migrants were motivated to migrate irregularly due to economic, family/community influence as well as the difficulties in acquiring valid travelling documents. Also, findings from the study showed that irregular migrants on the Sahara Desert faced horrific challenges such as the unavailability of water and food, and armed robbery. The study found that participants possessed both internal sources of resilience (for instance spirituality, courage, and the mental conditioning to endure) as well as external sources of resilience (relying on fellow travellers as a source of resilience). Furthermore, the study found that participants faced many challenges as irregular migrants in Libya but they relied on both the problem-focused and emotional-focused coping strategies to deal with these challenges which included harassment and arbitrary arrest by security officials as well as the inability to access formal healthcare. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that both the Government of Ghana in partnership with other International Organizations such as IOM intensify education on regular migration as well as the pitfalls of irregular migration.Item International Students’ Mobility to Ghana-Expectations and Experiences(University of Ghana, 2021-11) Aguzey, R.F.International student mobility is increasingly becoming one of the highlights in modern migration literature. The literature establishes that the number of globally mobile students has witnessed a spiral increase in recent times, with English-speaking countries hosting the largest number of students. Ghana has become a popular study destination for international students in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates international students’ mobility to Ghana and explores their expectations and experiences. This study employs qualitative research method in examining the expectations vis-à-vis the experiences of international students in Ghana. With the University of Ghana as the area for the research, the sample size consisted of 20 international students from the university. Primary data was collected using in-depth interviews and data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. Factors informing students’ decision to study outside their origin country include but are not limited to the traditional push-pull factors. The study also found that international students have high expectations of language proficiency, access to information, course curriculum to enhance job prospects, social and cultural life and facilities. Overall, international students expressed diverse experiences with academic work, language, accommodation, socio-cultural lifestyle, support services, Covid-19 and the weather. Most students had experiences that were closely matched to their initial expectations of studying in Ghana. The study concludes that both “push” and “pull” factors in Ghana and the origin countries of international students motivate them to study in Ghana. Thus, it is important that government and stakeholders maintain a conducive environment in order to attract international students. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the labour market be open up and employment opportunities be made available to international students. Favourable immigration policies should also be put in place to retain international students in the labour market.Item Hometown Development in Ghana: The Role of Internal Migrant Student Associations in the University of Ghana(University of Ghana, 2020-10) Banoenumah, B.N.International migrant hometown associations and internal migrant associations both play crucial roles in the development of their respective communities. Today, Internal Migrant Student Hometown Associations (IMSHTAs) have become an integral part of university life, contributing in diverse ways towards the welfare of their members as well as their respective hometowns. However, despite the numerous studies on international and IMSHTAs have been largely understudied especially in terms of how, as dependents, these students are able to mobilise resources to achieve their welfare and developmental objectives. This study therefore explored the role of these student associations in the development of their hometowns, comparing the activities of Ashanti Students Union (ASU) and the National Association of Gonjaland Students (NAGS) both in the University of Ghana, Legon. The study employed qualitative research in which 22 members of NAGS and 19 members of ASU were interviewed. The findings indicate that IMSHTAs play the role of catalysts in the development of their hometowns, through donations, voluntary teaching and sensitisation of their home people on health and educational issues. It equally indicated that IMSHTAs are hybrid associations between hometown associations and student associations, with interest in contributing their quota back ‘home’. They are formed to first and foremost cater for the needs of their members on campus such as providing accommodation, financial and emotional support and at the same time, contribute to their hometowns. They employ different means to ensure the welfare of their members and use the strong and weak ties they have with their social networks to achieve their aims. Their strong ties constitute prominent people from their hometowns and their patrons while their weak ties include their classmates, hall mates and other students. They face challenges such as apathy of members, and limited funds but they are able to leverage unity and their social networks to mitigate these challenges. The study recommends that the local government authorities in Gonjaland and Ashanti Region and the office of the dean of students - University of Ghana should take keener interest in student hometown associations as a special category of migrants that contribute to human and cultural development especially at the local level.Item Civil Society Organizations as Social Networks and Mental Health Support for Migrants: A Case Study Of Lund, Sweden(University of Ghana, 2020-12) Stubbergaard, A.Prior research acknowledges that the prevalence of mental health problems is higher among immigrants than the native-born population and that the stress migrants experience at the place of destination can negatively impact integration. Since the beginning of the European so-called ‘refugee crisis’ in 2015, Sweden has experienced an increase of mixed migration flows, which has indicated a rising demand from the host country to support the various categories of migrants’ needs. In addition to the national, regional and local authorities adapting to the situation, parts of the Swedish civil society adjusted their projects to increasingly support newly arrived migrants. By conducting a qualitative study with key informants from civil society organizations to obtain knowledge from the host society’s perspective, as well as immigrant’s describing their own situations in the migration process, this study gives a profound understanding of the problem. The model of resettlement process and refugee mental health will provide guidance to understand post migration stressors and potential mental health difficulties, and the social network theory further guides the analysis to comprehend what role social networks and social capital have in facilitating the migration process, with particular focus on the psychological aspects. This study argues that the civil society at the place of destination can provide opportunities for migrants to access social capital and resources, and it is evident that the local civil society organizations’ projects help to reduce the most common post migration stressors. Therefore, they also decrease the risks of mental health difficulties to arise, and further improve the integration process. Despite insufficient tools and resources, the civil society organizations fill the social void that is not covered by authorities, and particularly provide support for the most vulnerable migrants. The organizations function as mediators between the migrants and the host society, where networks can be created and maintained, and therefore lower the psychological costs in the migration process.