Child Migration in the Volta Region: Exploring the Drivers and Socio- Economic Implications

Abstract

The globally growing concern of child migration in the 21st century is increasingly becoming a focus of international research. While child migration is dynamic due to its varying circumstances, modern research is needed to unravel the leading factors and their implications on migrant children. It is within this context that this study investigates the drivers, socio economic implications and the role of social networks in child migration. Four communities in the Volta Region of Ghana; Aflao, Keta, Dzemeni, and Kpando-Torkor were selected for the study. The study examined the factors influencing child migration, the socio-economic conditions of migrant children, their families and the receiving communities. The research also explored how social networks shape migration decisions and experiences. A mixed method approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods including interview of migrant children, their parents and community stakeholders as well as surveys were adopted. The study revealed that child migration is a generally accepted practice in the study communities. It was further discovered that child migration is gendered. Boys who migrate often engaged in economic activities such as fishing and farming, while girls often migrate to offer domestic services or trade. The study identified economic hardship, educational aspirations, family instability and environmental factors (including climate change, coastal erosion and flooding) as the main drivers of child migration. It is argued that migrant children often face multiple vulnerabilities such as poor living conditions, limited access to education, economic exploitation and exposure to health hazards. It is further observed that social networks, particularly family and community ties, play a crucial role in the pattens of child migration and especially decisions on the destination of child migrants. The study recommends the development of targeted policy interventions such as improved access to education and stronger enforcement of child protection laws as strategies to mitigating child migration.