Life after deportation: A case of involuntary returned migrants in Ghana

Abstract

The study examines the migration experiences and livelihoods of deported migrants in Accra and Takoradi, within the framework of DFID's Sustainable Livelihood framework and Cassarino's conceptual framework. Data were gathered through a questionnaire survey, in-depth interviews and field observations. The findings of the study indicate that most deportees were engaged in low paid jobs, and also had a short period of stay abroad, hence could not invest in the home country. This invariably affected their preparation towards return. Even though they were irregular migrants at the various destinations, majority of them still maintained close ties with relatives and friends in Ghana, and also remitted them as much as their meager resources would allow. Their impromptu and 'empty handed return,' coupled with the harsh economic situation in the home country, have made life almost unbearable for the majority of them. The study revealed that there are no well-organized and institutionalized support programs by either state or non-state actors in Ghana for deportees, making it very difficult for them to re-integrate into the home society. Unsurprisingly, many of those who could not adjust and reintegrate into the Ghanaian society are planning to re-migrate. A number of policy recommendations were proposed, based on the findings of the study, to help improve the livelihood of deportees to prevent remigration