Drivers of Migration: How Political and Socio-Economic Characteristics Shape Ecowas Migrants’ Relocation Behaviors in Ghana

Abstract

This thesis examines the factors that contribute to south-south migration in West Africa and the challenges associated with it, particularly how political instability and oppression influence ECOWAS citizens to migrate to Ghana; how poverty and unemployment facilitate the relocation of ECOWAS migrants to Ghana; how inequality and poor social infrastructure shape ECOWAS citizens’ migration behavior; and how natural disasters and drought compel ECOWAS citizens to migrate to Ghana. It is primarily based on data regarding ECOWAS migrants in Ghana and their experiences in the border towns of Sampa, Aflao, and Hamile. While academic research on the drivers of migration has surged in recent years, a gap remains in knowledge concerning the factors that influence south-south migration and the challenges that migrants face in host countries. This study aims to address this gap. It answers five main research questions: First, in what ways do political instability and oppression cause ECOWAS citizens to migrate to Ghana? Second, how do poverty and unemployment increase the likelihood of ECOWAS citizens migrating to Ghana? Third, what role has inequality and poor social infrastructure affect the future migration behavior of ECOWAS nationals? Fourth, to what extent do natural disasters and droughts drive citizens of ECOWAS to migrate to Ghana? In other words, do natural disasters in other ECOWAS countries contribute to migration in Ghana? Fifth, what have been the major challenges for these migrants in Ghana? This thesis is guided by a critical realist ontology, adopting a qualitative research design and approach. The process consisted of two phases. First, elite interviews were conducted with senior government officials and representatives from NGOs. Second, focus group discussions, face-to-face interviews, recordings, and data analysis were performed. In total, 43 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with ECOWAS migrants, government officials, local Ghanaians, business representatives, NGOs, and academics. To examine the factors that account for migration to Ghana, the research draws on the push pull theory. Using this framework, it identifies four main factors facilitating migration to Ghana: i) political factors; ii) economic factors; iii) social factors; and iv) environmental factors. However, this study introduces a fifth factor, described as (v) religious factors. Together, the analysis shows the drivers of ECOWAS migration to Ghana. The responses are also influenced by the emerging discourse on poverty reduction, human security, and survival, as well as environmental degradation and destruction. The study further demonstrates that the lack of proper documentation and rising costs of living are not the only major challenges facing ECOWAS citizens in Ghana; language barriers, policy limitations, and discrimination also pose significant difficulties. The thesis reveals that while ECOWAS migrants choose Ghana over other West African countries, their choice comes with a cost. This study, therefore, questions and challenges the tendency in migration studies literature to focus on trends, patterns, continuity, and complexities of migration while downplaying the primary factors or drivers that contribute to migration in the first place.