Drivers of independent migration among adolescents from selected West African countries
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Children and Youth Services Review
Abstract
Independent migration among adolescents is an issue of public concern in West Africa. Thus, drawing on the
neoclassical economics, new economics of labour and social networks perspectives, this study explored the
reasons for independent migration among adolescents. Employing a qualitative research design, 41 adolescents
participated in the study. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted to
gather data, which were analyzed thematically. The findings of the study indicated that the adolescents migrated
due to diverse reasons (poverty and hardship; social support and networks; peer-pressure and escapade; and
maltreatment and abuse). Also, it was found that generally, poverty and hardships drove adolescents to migrate
from their countries of origin with the aim of finding and starting work in Ghana, which was perceived as an
important source of economic opportunities. Furthermore, evidence showed that while some adolescents had
positive experiences in Ghana, others were confronted with challenges, a push factor to their return and in tegration decisions respectively. Based on the findings of the study, conclusions were drawn.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Adolescents, Ghana, Independent migrants