Living Conditions and Return Strategies of Head Porters (Kayayei) In Madina, Accra.

Abstract

The migration of young women from other parts of Ghana (especially from the three northern regions) to Accra to undertake head porterage business activities has been a matter of great concern to governments due to its associated social issues. In fact, recent flooding situations in Accra beside been attributed to poor drainage systems have also been attributed to the burgeoning number of slum dwellings created by some of the indigenous population as well as migrant head porters in certain areas in the country. In view of this, the current study sought to examine the living conditions, coping and return strategies, as well as the demographic characteristics of head porters in Madina (Accra). To achieve these objectives, a survey on Seventy (70) conveniently sampled head porters within Madina was conducted using the cross-sectional, qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Availability and willingness of head porters to partake in this study was taking into account. Also necessary ethical considerations were observed, permission was obtained from respondents before audio recordings were made. The use of quantitative and qualitative research approach was to gain more insight from respondents in regards to the topic under study. The findings of the study showed that these young girls, popularly referred to as “Kayayei”, live in very deplorable conditions in Accra. The issue of access to housing and housing facilities, education and health were the major social challenges these girls face. In spite of these challenges, the findings of the study showed that these girls have managed to cope with these conditions through their engagement in multiple economic activities to increase their incomes. It was also recorded that the majority of these girls intend to return home in future to actively participate in the social and economic transformation of their regions or towns. Finally, the study also captured that most of these head porters were from the northern parts of Ghana and were Muslims. In recommending a possible solution to the head porter migration issue, the study advocates a holistic approach in which government should assist in providing basic social amenities at the destination to make living conditions better as well as assist in providing start up capital for head porters who are keen on starting a small business. The government should also see to it that minors under the age of 18 years are enrolled in the free compulsory universal basic education at their origin and also design and implement national development policies to ensure that the deprived areas from which these girls migrate are developed. Parents who are caught voluntarily sending their children to be involved in hard active employment must be prosecuted. Civil society groups must play an active role in addressing some of the issues that give rise to the migration of these young girls from the northern regions to big cities. This will aid in reversing the phenomenon, as well as reduce the yearly movement of young girls from rural areas to urban centres in search of better opportunities.