University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh UNIVERSITY OF GHANA CENTER FOR MIGRATION STUDIES MIGRANTS ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND THEIR IMPACTS IN THE GHANAIAN ECONOMY: A STUDY OF THE NEW JUABENG MUNICIPALITY BY ERNEST BOATENG (10309051) A LONG ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTERS OF ART IN MIGRATION STUDIES DEGREE SEPTEMBER, 2019 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DECLARATION I, Ernest Boateng hereby declare that, except for references to other people‟s work, which have been duly acknowledged, this Long Essay is the outcome of my independent research conducted at the Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, under the supervision of Dr. Leander Kandilige. I, therefore, declare that this Long Essay has neither in part nor in whole been presented to any other institution for academic award. ……………………………….. ………………………….. ERNEST BOATENG DATE (STUDENT) ……………………………. ……………………………. DR. LEANDER KANDILIGE DATE (SUPERVISOR) i University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh DEDICATION This Long Essay is first and foremost dedicated to the Almighty God through whose blessings, protection and love I have gotten this far. I also dedicate it to my wife Gifty Ofosua Twum and children. And my family and friends especially Thomas Appai Padi. ii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am exceedingly grateful to Almighty God who through his mercies and grace has seen me through this programme. My sincere gratitude goes to my supervisor Dr. Leander Kandilige. Thank you for your careful critique, advice and insightful comments that have seen this work through to completion. I have learnt a lot and I am most grateful. God richly bless you. I also thank Prof. Joseph Teye, Director, Centre for Migration Studies and Dr. (Mrs) Mary Setrana Boating for their support and encouragement throughout my study. I also thank all the lecturers and staff at the Centre for Migration Studies. iii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................ i DEDICATION .......................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................................... iii LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................... vi LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................ vii ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................... viii CHAPTER ONE ...................................................................................................................... 1 GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY ........................ 1 1.2 Problem Statement ............................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Research Objectives ............................................................................................................. 5 1.4 Research Questions .............................................................................................................. 6 1.5 Significance of the study ...................................................................................................... 6 1.6 Organization of the study ..................................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER TWO ..................................................................................................................... 7 LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................................................... 7 2.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 7 2.1The Concept of Migration ..................................................................................................... 7 2.2 National Legislations on Migration ..................................................................................... 9 2.3 ECOWAS Protocols........................................................................................................... 10 2.4 Ghana-Nigeria Relations and Nigerian Businesses in Ghana ............................................ 12 2.5 Some Perspectives on Immigrants in Ghana ..................................................................... 14 2.6 Economic Threat from Foreign Traders ............................................................................ 16 2.7 Transnationalism Theory ................................................................................................... 17 CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................... 19 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 19 3.1 The Study Area .................................................................................................................. 19 3.2 Research Design................................................................................................................. 20 3.3 Sources of Data .................................................................................................................. 20 3.4 Population .......................................................................................................................... 21 3.5 Sampling Design and sample ............................................................................................. 21 3.6 Research Instruments ......................................................................................................... 21 3.7 Data Collection .................................................................................................................. 21 iv University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 3.8 Data Management and Analysis ........................................................................................ 22 CHAPTER FOUR .................................................................................................................. 23 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS ....................................................................... 23 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 23 4.2 Respondents socio-demographic and economic background Information ........................ 23 4.2.1 Age Distribution of Respondents .................................................................................... 23 4.3 Nigerian Migrants‟ networks ............................................................................................. 24 4.4 Migrants Activities in Ghana ............................................................................................. 26 CHAPTER FIVE ................................................................................................................... 39 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................... 39 5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 39 5.2 Summary of the study ........................................................................................................ 39 5.3 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................ 41 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 43 QUESTIONNAIRE................................................................................................................ 46 v University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh LIST OF TABLES Table 4.1 Background of Respondents .................................................................................... 24 Table 4.2 Networks of Nigerian Immigrants in Ghana............................................................ 25 Table 4.3 Why Nigerian immigrants in Ghana ........................................................................ 26 Table 4.4 Economic Activities of Nigerian Immigrants in Ghana .......................................... 28 Table 4.5 Activities of those who are not working .................................................................. 29 Table 4.6 Nature of Rent Immigrants pay ............................................................................... 34 Table 4.7 Performance of Nigerian Immigrants‟ Business ...................................................... 35 vi University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh LIST OF FIGURES Figure 4.1 Work status of Nigerian immigrants ...................................................................... 28 Figure 4.2 Improvement in living standard over the past 5 years. Source: Field Data, 2019 .. 31 Figure 4.3 Employment of Ghanaians by immigrants. Source: Field Data, 2019 ................... 33 Figure 4.4 How long Respondents have been living in Ghana. Source: Field Data, 2019 ...... 35 vii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh ABSTRACT Migration is an enduring theme of human history and is considered one of the defining global issues of the twenty-first century. In Ghana, as in other parts of Africa, migration is largely informal and undocumented, making accurate data on the phenomenon extremely scanty. Migrants have been involved in a lot of activities that they are not permitted to do in the host country as defined within the borders of international protocols and agreements. Despite all this, there is little known about migrants‟ activities in Ghana. This study was to explore the activities of Nigerian Migrants and their impacts on the Ghanaian economy. The study area was Koforidua. Specifically, the study sought to: find out the socio-economic and demographic backgrounds of Nigerian migrants in the New Juabeng Municipality; find out the types of economic activities Nigerian migrants engage in in the New Juabeng Municipality; and to explore the impacts of the economic activities of the migrants in the study area. The study was both an exploratory and explanatory one that used the mixed method approach in answering the research question. Respondents were selected using a mixture of designs ranging from purposive, through to snowballing through the networks of Nigerian immigrants in Koforidua. It was discovered that Nigerian immigrants engage mainly in the informal sector economic activities that Ghanaians dominate, creating competitions that leads to throwing out some the Ghanaian traders out of business. However, the study also discovered some positive impacts of the Nigerian immigrants on the Ghanaian economy in Koforiduda. This includes employment of Ghanaians, payment of tax (though few) and patronage of food substances that are sold by Ghanaian vendors. The study recommends that strict measures must be put in place to enforce the rules and regulations in the country to country both the entry and the economic activities of immigrants in Ghana. It reminds the government to strengthen and enforce an efficient tax collecting system to ensure immigrants pay taxes for national development. viii University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh CHAPTER ONE GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY 1.1 Introduction Migration is an enduring theme of human history and is considered one of the defining global issues of the twenty-first century. In Ghana, as in other parts of Africa, migration is largely informal and undocumented, making accurate data on the phenomenon extremely scanty. Despite this lack of data, the literature points to a long history of population mobility with migration playing a central role in the livelihood and advancement strategies of both rural and urban populations Awumbila et al. (2013). The main aim of national government in developing countries is to reduce poverty among the citizens (Marfaing & Thiel, 2011; Mcnamee, 2012). This requires that national government and their agencies provide employment to the citizens or provide realistic opportunities for the people to employ them. Faced with the problem of unemployment among the citizenry, people themselves try their best to look for employment opportunities in other more privileged and endowed towns and countries in the world. The main reason for this is to make their standard of living better so they could realize their human dignity (Awumbila et al., 2008). Economic activities benefit households and the macro-economy as a whole. Where as individuals and house holds get food and income for the gratification of their immediate needs, the national economy also benefits from the taxes and surplus food ( Liu, 2010). Economic activities of the citizens in the country can either be in the formal or informal sector (Obeng, 2013). Studies in Ghana has shown that the type of economic activity of the people depends largely on the educational levels of the people (Obeng, 2013; Sun & Heshmati, 2010). Again those engaged in the informal sector activities form the majority in Ghana. These activities are also hampered by competition from their counterparts since entry 1 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh is easier (Ho, 2012). There is the need for studies on the activities of immigrants, particularly immigrants operating the informal economy in the New Juaben Municipality, where there is now massive influx in order to have a knowledge of the effects on the economy. 1.2 Problem Statement Recent studies in Ghana reveal that international migrants in Ghana are also taking over the informal activities of indigenes (IOM, 2014), even though they help the country through taxes. Lower relative prices of their products traded in by emigrants also help Ghanaians improve their standard of living. That not withstanding their competitions with the Ghanaians led to unemployment, reducing their standards of living (Sylvanus, 2009). Related studies are not corned out mainly in the study area, providing gabs in the migration literature. In West African countries, the most important countries of destination for migrants include Ghana and Nigeria (DRC, 2007). Estimates of the Ghanaian migrant population show a high number (Twum Baah, 2005; Black et al., 2003). However, there is a strong evidence that Ghana also receives immigrants from neighbouring countries in Africa, especially Nigeria (Twum Baah, 2005). The majority of immigrants to Ghana come from Africa. In 2000, 58.9 per cent of non- Ghanaian residents were nationals from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries, while 23 per cent of immigrants came from African countries outside ECOWAS. According to border statistics from the Ghana Immigration Services, Europeans constituted the largest group of non-African arrivals (15.3%), followed by North Americans (9.7%), from 2000 to 2007 (GIS, 2008). 2 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Students make up a significant proportion of the immigrants to Ghana. In 2007, 8.5 per cent of resident permits were granted to students. Students represented a particularly large proportion among permit holders from ECOWAS countries, almost 25 per cent. The foreign student population at the University of Ghana rose steadily from 1.5 per cent in 2001-02 to 3.8 per cent in 2006-07. While the overall immigrant population has remained relatively stable over the last two decades, the number of asylum seekers and refugees has dramatically increased, from 11,721 in 2001 to 34,950 in 2007. In 2007, Ghana hosted the largest refugee population in the West African sub-Region. Representing 77.3 per cent of the total refugee population in Ghana, Liberians accounted for much of the increase in the number of refugees in Ghana. According to UNHCR (2008), 40 per cent of the refugees from Liberia and Togo were minors (persons under 18 years old). In 2008, Ghana received fewer asylum seeker and refugees (18,206), but the country remains host to the fourth-largest population of asylum seekers and refugees in the region. As more young people enter Ghana‟s labour market than ever before, the pressure to migrate may increase unless employment opportunities for young labour market entrants improve. Ghana‟s labour force is expected to grow faster than its population over the next decade. While Ghana‟s annual population growth rate – one of the lowest in the sub-region – is projected to remain at 2.2 per cent, its labour force is estimated to increase yearly by 2.9 per cent for the next 15 years (GSS, 2005b). Although the economy has grown steadily over the past few years, from 5.2 per cent in 2003 to 6.3 per cent in 2007, labour-intensive sectors such as manufacturing have been growing more slowly and are therefore unable to absorb the expanding labour force. According to 2000 census data, unemployment especially affects the young and those with no schooling (49%). 3 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh The domestic labour force in Ghana is not only growing but also becoming more educated. The net enrolment ratio in primary school has increased steadily from 86.4 per cent in 2003/04 to 90.8 per cent in 2006/07, indicating that more young people (below 14 years old) remain in school rather than seek employment. At the other end of the educational spectrum, more and more workers are enrolled in graduate and postgraduate programmes, especially at private universities. The Gross Enrolment Ratio in tertiary education increased from 3 per cent in 2004 to 5 per cent in 2005 (UNESCO, 2007). In light of these trends, skilled emigration is likely to remain an important policy concern, unless work conditions and employment opportunities for the highly skilled improve. Lack of career development and poor working conditions seem to be important motivations for the highly skilled to migrate, especially for those in the medical professions. A study on the migration intentions of health workers, for example, showed that the opportunity for further training figure quite prominently in their reasons to migrate (Agyei and Quartey, 2008). Although reliable data on its actual impact is still lacking, highly skilled emigration is likely to have exacerbated already existing labour shortages in critical sectors such as health and education. Over 60 per cent of faculty positions at polytechnics and 40 per cent of those in public universities are vacant. In 2000, it was estimated that only 49 per cent of the needed workforce in the health sector was available and this situation is unlikely to have changed greatly over the years (Nyonator et al., 2004). Hospitals and other institutions of higher learning are struggling hard to retain staff, partly due to emigration. In order to facilitate updates to the Migration Profile, the timeliness, processing, and analysis of migration data need to be improved. Most migration data are census data that is usually collected every ten years and therefore often outdated. While GIS collects a wealth of administrative data on entries, departures, and registration, the lack of data disaggregated by 4 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh sex, age, and other relevant characteristics makes meaningful analysis difficult. The government also has no accurate data on immigrants in Ghana and irregular migration. Household survey data is a valuable source of migration information but often remains underutilized. For example, in West Africa, Ghana‟s 2005 Living Standard Measurement Survey is considered as one of the best examples of a general household survey that features migration and remittance questions (IOM, 2008a). There have been concerns that foreign traders are taking over the informal economy and dominating the sector, even though, law, both national and international does not permit them to engage in these activities that are reserved for Ghanaian traders (Obeng, 2013). This has forced some Ghanaian traders out of business, rendering them unemployed, and has created a lot of tensions between Nigerian immigrants and the Ghanaian traders. Despite this, there have been only few studies carried out and publishes to inform policy makers and the government on how to address this important issue. This study explores the activities of Nigerian traders in Koforidua in the New Juaben Municipality to bridge the literature gab. 1.3 Research Objectives The main aim for this study was to explore the activities of Nigerian Migrants and their impacts on the Ghanaian economy. Specifically, the study sought to: 1. Find out the socio-economic and demographic backgrounds of Nigerian migrants in the New Juabeng Municipality 2. Find out the types of economic activities Nigerian migrants engage in in the New Juabeng Municipality 3. Explore the impacts of the economic activities of the migrants in the study area 5 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 1.4 Research Questions Important questions that need to be answered in this study will include the following: 1. What are the socio-economic and demographic backgrounds of the migrants in the new Juaben municipality? 2. What types of economic activities do the migrants engage in the new Juaben municipality? 3. What are the impacts of the economic activities of the migrants in the study area? 1.5 Significance of the study The study will provide adequate information that will help streamline the activities of migrants, provide literature and form basis for other studies. The work will also inform policy on how immigrants should conduct themselves in Ghana regarding their engagement in economic activities in Ghana. 1.6 Organization of the study The study has been organized in five main chapters. Chapter one shall be the general introduction. This comprised the background to the study, the problem statement, the study objectives, research questions, the significance of the study, and the organization of the study. The chapter Two reviewed some related literature to find the existing research gaps that justify this study. The chapter that follows was devoted to the detail description of the methods and materials used in carrying out the study. This comprised the profile of the study area, the study design, the population, the sampling technique and sample size, sources of data and the research instruments, the data processing and analysis. In chapter Four, the researcher presented the data and analyzed it with discussions, while the last chapter summarized the main findings with conclusions and recommendations for policy considerations. 6 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Introduction This chapter presents a review of related literature in order to find out the various gaps in the literature. This provides direction for the study since what has been done were examined. Materials reviewed includes journal articles, books, country papers and policy documents. The findings from the review were used to discuss the main findings of the study. 2.1The Concept of Migration This section presents the concepts underpinning migration. The section discusses what is meant by the term “migration”. Regardless of how varied the definition of migration may be from different studies and experts, the broad understanding of the concept of migrations points to one direction – migration is a permanent or temporary change of residence of a person or group of people to a new one irrespective of the distance between the new residence and old residence and regardless of whether the change resulting from movement is meditated or unpremeditated or not (International Organization for Migration, 2005). Enhancing the argument of distance in migration, Malmberg (1997) points out that migration should be understood in the context of distance and time. Thus, there can be international migration or cross-border migration – and is the context in which this study falls – juxtapose to forms of mobility, like tourism which is usually pegged at one year in the recipient country (King, 2013; Cwerner, 2001). There are migration typologies such internal versus external migration, voluntary versus involuntary migration, and permanent versus temporal migration. All these terminologies accentuate the mode of migration by their exact meanings. 7 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh The reasons why people migrate are many, but Awumbila et al (2008) and many other researchers pointed out that people mainly migrate for economic reasons-to seek for jobs that will enhance their standard of living. Here migrants try to maximize their incomes by moving to more privileged regions for greener pastures. Nigerians migration to various cities in Ghana might have been necessitated by envisioned job opportunities and favourable economic and political climates in Ghana. The knowledge of these opportunities might have been necessitated by the link between older migrants and people in the sending country (de Haas, 2010). Other studies have mentioned that an important rationale for migration that is worth mentioning due to its implications for international migration is the direction of migration flows (Tranos et al., 2015). International ties or commonalities between countries can be responsible for migration from a particular country to another. For example, postcolonial ties, language, cultural similarity, and so forth, can induce migration flow in a certain direction. In this domain, it can be said that since Ghana and Nigeria share many things in common – including fashion and entertainment, food, traditional leadership, and even shared learning – there is migration flow to and from the two countries that can be explained by their commonalities. However, Boyd (1989) also posited that exchange of human capital, goods, capital and services lead to migration flows from one country to another since a mutual relationship and friendship develops from these movements between countries. For instance, a country that receives foreign aid from another country permits movement of goods and people from the donor countries to the beneficiary country, and this is usually made formal through agreements between the countries involved, and national and international policies. Thus, in Ghana, there are policies and legal frameworks that allow free movement of people and goods from other countries to Ghana. 8 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 2.2 National Legislations on Migration There are laws and legislations that permit movement of goods and people from other countries to Ghana. These legal frameworks started some five decades ago, developed by instruments that were developed after Ghana gained independence. The Alien Act of 1963 (Act 160) was the first post-independence legal instrument that regulates entry into the country. According to Benneh (2005). This instrument provides policies for entry, stay, and employment of foreign nationals in the country. After this Act, there have been many other legal frameworks that permit movement into Ghana since Act 160 became obsolete with time, and there was a clarion call on Ghanaians three decades after to reform the legal framework to meet modern demands and challenges of international migration. The migration reform in the early 1990 has its backing from the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. Migration management in Ghana is executed based on rights and freedoms enshrined in the 1992 Constitution; Acts of Parliament that incorporate international and regional sub-regional legal obligations in Ghana; and other national statutes and regulations. In the years 2000, the national Immigration Act (Act 573) was promulgated. This Act provides admission/entry, residence, employment, and removal of foreigners, and recognizes Diaspora for citizenship. This Act was also amended (Act 848) in 2002 to deal address the challenges associated with Act 573. The labour Act 2003 (Act 651) and Labour Regulations Act 2007 (L.I. 1833) grants permission for immigrants‟ labour and industrial provisions. These Acts are very important in understanding the influx of foreign nationals to Ghana to undertake economic activities in any part of the country (CMS, 2017). The Ghana Investment Centre was also promulgated in 1994 (Act 478) to control investment in the country. This was revised or amended in 2013 (685). The Act 685 is meant to encourage and promote investment activities in the country. Another Policy Framework, the Free Zone Act that was established in1995 (Act 504) to enhance development. This Act 504 9 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh grants residence permits to foreigners who wish to work in designated Free Zones in the sub- region. This legal framework allows foreign nationals to engage in any economic activity permitted in Ghana. This gives migrants legal backing to do any economic activity that Ghanaian nationals are allowed to do, and this explains why Nigerians are currently migrating to Ghana to compete with Ghanaians in any investment ventures that improve the standard of living of the people. Again, the Minerals and Mining Act was also established in 2006. This Act was referenced Act 703. This permits the holders of minerals rights who are international migrants immigration quotas for specified numbers of expatriate personnel, and freedom from taxation of remittances. This permits foreigners to work in the mining sector in Ghana. In the same year 2006, the Foreign Exchange Act 732, and this permits operation of businesses in foreign exchange and the conduct of such businesses in the country (CMS, 2017). 2.3 ECOWAS Protocols Countries in the West African sub-region signed a treaty to come together under one umbrella to pursue a common development agenda. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was formed to encourage, foster and accelerate the economic and social development of the member states (EECOWAS Treaty, 1975). Due to challenges in international trade, it was important to liberalize trade among member states in the sub-region by removing trade barriers among others. The member states include Burkina Faso, Benin, Cape Verde, Cote d‟Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Ghana, and Guinea Bissau. Others are Liberia, Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo (ECOWAS Treaty, 1975). The promotion of economic development in the West African sub-region required effective economic co-operation and integration through a concerted policy of self-- reliance. The need for economic integration among member states in the sub-region, including free flow of goods and services and persons, stimulated the enactment of several 10 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh protocols to remove certain trade barriers between member states. These included the protocols on free movement of persons, and the right of residence and establishment established by ECOWAS in 1979. The free movement of persons‟ protocols guaranteed free entry of citizens from member states without a visa for ninety days and it was ratified by all member states in 1980. The right of residence protocol became effective later in 1986 and was ratified by all member states. However, right of establishment is yet to come into force (EECOWAS Treaty, 1975). The treaty was established in such a way that Visas and other entry requirements for citizens travelling to the other member states were abolished following the implementation and further ratification of the trade protocols by member states. The implication is that only valid traveling documents and an international health certificate is needed by citizens of the ECOWAS member states to travel and spend up to a 90-day period in another state. Notwithstanding the protocol, Article 4 of the ECOWAS treaty makes provision for a member state to deny entry of any immigrant considered to be inadmissible by its laws (EECOWAS Treaty, 1975). This is to protect member states against criminals and other people who may seek to undermine the laws of member states. Studies have shown that the main rationale behind the formation of the ECOWAS treaty was based on the view that the sub-region needed to face the political, economic and socio- cultural challenges of sustainable improvement in the welfare of their populations together; and pooling together of their resources, particularly people, would ensure the most rapid and optimum expansion of the sub-regions productive capacity. This constituted the main rationale for recreating free movement of persons in the sub-region (Mantey, 2013). The various countries that are involved are striving to achieve the goals of this economic revival that will ensure a higher standard of living among their members. 11 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 2.4 Ghana-Nigeria Relations and Nigerian Businesses in Ghana Ghana and Nigeria have strong diplomatic ties and have certain things in common in terms of cultural, political and economic activities. The products Nigeria exports to Ghana, among others, include milk, cream, sesame seed, cocoa powder, oil cake, siliceous fossil meal, feldspar, petrol, electrical energy, chlorine, silicon dioxide, bottles and jars. Bilateral trade between Ghana and Nigeria has been on-going for the past 50 years, specifically the trading in various goods and services. However, the relationship between the two countries has, in some instances, been volatile despite close cultural ties and diplomatic relations mainly due to immigration related issues. According to Otoghile and Obakhedo (2011), it is argued that the foreign policy direction of Nigeria toward Ghana has been a reflection of the preferences of the ruling elite. There has been a lack of consistency in the application of trade laws between the two countries leading to trade related problems arising. Ademola (2016) accounts that the cordial relationship between Ghana and Nigeria suffered a setback from 2007 to 2009 and again in 2012 when some of the businesses owned by Nigerians in Ghana were closed by the Ghanaian authorities for alleged non-compliance with the 1994 investment laws, which place restrictions and prohibits non-Ghanaians from engaging in retail trade and related business. The reason behind these trade related problems is the constant protest of local businessmen against the flooding of foreigners into the market. Ghanaian traders often complain about Nigerian traders taking over their jobs, among other issues.. Another reason accounting for the frosty relationship between the two countries was the decision of the Ghanaian government to enter an agreement with Equatorial Guinea for the supply of oil instead of continuing with the initial agreement with Nigeria entered into by previous governments (Essuman, 2010). This move was seen as a measure to protect the Ghanaian economy from Nigerian vandalism. According to Ademola (2016), a major economic disagreement occurred between the countries in 2012 when Ghana tried to 12 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh implement a law considered detrimental to Nigerians doing business in Ghana, raising concerns as to the validity of ECOWAS treaties and protocols to which both countries are signatories. Ghana, likewise, has complained about certain products being restricted from being exported to Nigeria. Both countries often put in place counter measures to laws and restrictions sanctioned against them. A wide condemnation, especially within the ECOWAS community, followed the recent Ghanaian economic policies on business ownership and management. These policies were not in conformity with the ECOWAS free trade treaty. The requirement of the Ghana Investment Promotion Council that foreign based businesses in Ghana, including Nigerian investors, must invest $3300,000 to operate negates the commitments under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (Ademola, 2016). These policies were implemented by Ghana to protect the local traders from the unfair competition from foreigners, especially from their Nigerian counterparts. As democratic states and potential regional giants, the two countries made frantic efforts aimed at strengthening their age-long socio-economic ties with a view to making their countries reap the gains of a globalized world. This led to a series of bilateral agreements between them in many areas of their national endeavours. The Kufuor administration in Ghana made good use of this opportunity to focus on trade and good neighbourly lines between Nigeria and Ghana. Therefore, many Nigerian businesses were established in Ghana thereby creating job opportunities for the Ghanaian people in line with the Kufour‟s administration motto of “Property Owning Democracy” (Essuman, 2010; Beddy, 2010). At the sub-regional level, this co-operation resonated in the growth of ECOWAS in a substantial amount of trade and investment, a way of benefitting from globalization with many Nigerian businesses making marks in the Ghanaian economy in various sectors. Trade between Ghana and Nigeria has increased over the period. The volume of export trade 13 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh between Ghana and Nigeria in 2008 was officially put at $5525m, with the breakdown for the period showing that Nigeria recorded $889m non-oil exports to Ghana, while the value of Ghana‟s exports to Nigeria was $225m (Ghana Business News, 2008). At the end of 2010, Nigerian businesses accounted for about 60 percent of foreign investment in Ghana from within the African continent, which analysts said would continue the strong economic connection (Ghana Business News, 2008; Linck, 2007). This economic integration provides a strong basis for Nigerians migrating to Ghana. 2.5 Some Perspectives on Immigrants in Ghana The perception and reports that the country is being flooded by illegal immigrants, and the issue of their entry into the country, is growing. These activities and practices are being questioned as it appears that most immigrants entered the country by way of the visa on arrival. These immigrants are mostly dominated by Nigerians and Chinese nationals (Kokutse, 2012). According to the hierarchy of the Ministry of the Interior, some of the immigrants have managed to acquire work permits through the back door while others continue to stay in the country not only illegally, but in possession of weapons as well (Kokutse, 2012). The influx of foreigners into the country threatens the country‟s security, especially job security for citizens as unemployment is on the rise. However, foreigners, particularly from the ECOWAS protocol, often protest actions taken by government to curb the situation linking it to xenophobic actions (Kokutse, 2012). It had been mentioned that, during Ghana‟s attempt to control their movement into the country, either the Ghanaian authorities do not want to implement the protocol in its proper way, or they envied ECOWAS nationals (Kokutse, 2012). Some Ghanaians engaged in retail trade think they are being taken out of business by these foreigners. They have accused the foreigners of taking over their daily livelihoods. For instance, the president of Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), 14 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh George Ofori, has attributed the depreciation of the Cedi [Ghana currency] against major currencies to foreign retail traders. The point was often argued that the high demand for the dollar to meet the huge imports by non-Ghanaians involved in the retail trade had resulted in its scarcity, pushing the exchange rate higher. Some of the foreigners come in as manufacturers‟ representatives to perform their assignment on behalf of their manufacturing firms – these ones could ship in about 400 containers in a year whilst a Ghanaian could afford a maximum of only 20 containers in a year; and after selling their goods, all of them are going to the same exchange market to change the money from cedi to dollars: such is what the Ghanaians are contending with (Debrah, 2007; Lampert & Mohan, 2014). Foreigner influx had also led to local traders being kicked out by landlords who demand more rent, which is out of reach of many Ghanaians (Kokutse, 2012). It is, therefore, clear that some immigrants‟ tendency to create circumstances that are not good for Ghanaians, make the Ghanaians feel threatened by these immigrants, especially when it comes to business. By late 2005, GUTA began expressing its dissatisfaction with the “unrestrained invasion” of “foreigners” into the retail sector and suggested that a “massive demonstration” be held in Accra if the government failed to enforce the 1994 Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GGIPC) Act (Takyi-Boadu, 2005). In Ghana, some of the prominent agitations have been led by the GUTA and have centred on the main markets of central Accra (Lampert & Mohan, 2014). In 2007 and 2008, GUTA organised a series of demonstrations against foreigners, particularly the Chinese, accusing them of taking over the retail trade business. They also called for a review of the Ghana Investment Promotion Act established in 1994 to protect the retailers. GUTA argued that the Act did not fulfill its mission because foreigners freely entered the retail business resulting in unfair competition (Debrah, 2007). GUTA remains highly agitated, bemoaning that, while the Chinese shops claimed to engage only in wholesale business, they continued to retail despite the unlikelihood of them meeting the 15 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh legal requirements of having made an initial investment of 300,000 USD and employing a minimum of ten local workers (Lampert & Mohan, 2014). These agitations against the foreign businesses imply that Ghanaians, especially mar traders, have a negative perception of them and will continue to protest until something is done about it. The Ghanaian traders and entrepreneurs have constantly complained about the dumping of cheap counterfeit goods made in China into the market; the transfer of investment in manufacturing into trading companies contrary to the law; the transgression of restriction for foreigners in retailing; and the lack of respect for labour rights (Lampert & Mohan, 2014). According to Liu (2013), most Chinese entrepreneurs in Ghana are involved in irregular activities, notably in illegal retail, which is apparently covered by a shop fronted by a Ghanaian counterpart. Besides the Chinese traders, the Nigerians are also often targeted by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre's (GIPC) task force for illegal retail trading (Baah et al., 2009). 2.6 Economic Threat from Foreign Traders Chinese traders are, according to the Brenthurst Foundation study on Chinese traders in Africa, significant employers of Africans contrary to popular belief and perception that they are rather competing with them for their jobs (Mcnamee et al., 2012). The study found that, on average, eight local workers are employed per store in Lesotho, with up to two workers per store in South Africa (Mcnamee et al., 2012). However, the increase in Chinese labourers in Africa has led to protests in countries such as Kenya, Angola, and Cameroon in recent times, according to the Kenyan paper, Media Nation (Mureithi, 2013). The most prominent story about such infringements is the shooting of African labourers by Chinese management at a mining plant in Chambishi in Zambia. This poses a job security threat to the nationals of these countries as they are gradually kicked out of their jobs by these Chinese businesses. This has led to the implementation of some immigration policies to protect the citizens against unfair competition from their Chinese counterparts (Adisu et al., 2010). Chinese 16 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh companies often have a low regard for labour unions and workers‟ rights, which is a major concern to most African countries (Chan, 2013). The Chinese seemingly do this not because they disrespect African workers‟ rights, but because they are not used to labour rights and unions in their own country (Chan, 2013). 2.7 Transnationalism Theory The theory is underpinned with the Transnationalism Theory. Transnationalism is directly linked to migration in that, exchanges between countries take the form of ideas, values and practices, as well as political mobilization and economic contributions that must do with the movement of persons. For the purposes of this study, transnationalism is used as a different way of looking at migration. Transnationalism puts more emphasis on the connections that migrants establish between countries. The concept therefore serves as an angle of analysis for the wider issues of migration and social change (Ban, 2012; International Dialogue on Migration, 2010; Robinson, 2004). Transnationalism refers to the diffusion and extension of social, political, and economic processes between and beyond the sovereign jurisdictional boundaries of nation-states. International processes are increasingly governed by non-state actors and international organizations (Robinson, 2004). Many studies have confirmed that Transnationalism creates a greater degree of connection between individuals, communities and societies across borders, bringing about changes in the social, cultural, economic and political landscapes of the societies of origin and destination (Robinson, 2004; Kivisto, 2001; Vertovec, 2009). The main challenge for policymakers is to look beyond national borders in analyzing the scope, purpose and impact of their policies. Cross-border connections between societies resulting from migration necessitate the formulation and implementation of appropriate policy interventions by States. These policies are expected to minimize the security threats and other negative impacts associated with 17 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh immigration (Kivisto, 2001; Vertovec, 2009). With time lapse in these studies and evidences, it is important to provide a more current report on the success of these policies. Migration policies in a transnational context are likely to produce an impact outside the domestic sphere for which they are primarily intended. The success or failure of those same policies will also be determined by realities that lie beyond a single country‟s borders. A transnational perspective on migration is increasingly relevant due to the forces of globalization and their impact on mobility. It is now easier than ever to be connected to two or more realities across national borders (International Dialogue on Migration, 2010). As a result of transformations, migrants may obtain education in one country, work and raise children in another and retire in a third, as one of many variations (Mazzucato, 2008; Vathi, 2013). Migrants can become vehicles for social and cultural exchanges. Transnational exchanges can also be economic in nature, including remittances as well as investment and trade. Transnationalism also manifests itself in the transfer of ideas between and among countries. This is often referred to as “social remittances”. Educational, professional and lifestyle opportunities and language abilities are enhanced through transnationalism. More abstractly, a broadened horizon and the ability to navigate between different cultures can be very rewarding. These are but a few of the many opportunities presented by transnationalism. Different contexts need to be considered in tailoring migration policies to enhance the positive aspects of transnationalism for migrants, their families and societies of origin and destination (Mazzucato, 2008; Vertovec, 2009). 18 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 3.1 The Study Area According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS, 2014). The population of New Juaben Municipality, according to t he 2010 Population and Housing Census, is 183,727 representing 6.9 percent of the Eastern region‟s total population of 2,633,154. Males constitute 48.3 percent and females represent 51.7 percent. More than 90 percent (93.3%) of the population in the Municipality live in urban localities. The Municipality has a sex ratio of 93, implying that to every 100 females there 93 males. The Municipality has a youthful population with about one third (30.8%) of the population below 15 years. This age structure result s in a broad base population pyramid which tapers off with a small number of elderly persons (7.3%). The Municipality has a household population of 120,320 with a total number of 26,930 households. The average household size in the Municipality is 4.5 persons per household (GSS, 2014). Economic Activity Status About 66.4 percent of the population aged 15 years and older are economically active while 33.6 per cent are economically not active. Of the economically active population, 92.7 percent are employed while 7.3 percent are unemployed. For those who are economically not active, a larger percentage of them are students (62.1%), 12.4 percent perform household duties and 3.9 percent are disabled or too sick to work. About 63 percent (62.8%) of the unemployed are seeking work for the first time (GSS, 2014). Occupation and industry Majority (51.2%)) of the working population are into service and sales, followed by craft and related works. A higher percentage of females (35.7%)) are into service and sales than males (20.1%). Majority of male workers (27%) are rather into craft and related works. Wholesale 19 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh and retail is the predominant industry for both male (19.6%) and female (42.5%) workers in the Municipality (GSS, 2014). Employment According to the GSS (2014) more than half (53.1%%) of the employed population are self - employed without employees. Females (64.0%) are more likely to be self - employed without employees than males (40.9%). About one third (31.3%) of the working population are employees, with higher percentage of males being employees (40.9%) than females 21.7%). Three quarters (75%) of the employed population are in the private informal sector. 3.2 Research Design The research design section of the chapter three (3) of the report is concerned with the researchers to plan and how the study is structured in terms of the type of method and analysis used in order to answer the main research questions of the study. It presents the goals and the time frame of the study and also indicates the units of analysis. The study adopted a descriptive survey for studying the migrants‟ economic activities and their impacts in the Ghanaian economy. It is also a cross sectional study which one shot data were used for analysis and to understand the subject matter and the main theme of this study. Additionally, the study was mainly a quantitative one. However, some open–ended questions were included to qualitatively understand some issues concerning the subject matter under study. Thus, the study is a pure research for academic purposes but the findings are of immerse importance to the organization studied. It is a non-experimental study. 3.3 Sources of Data The study relied mainly on primary data. These data were collected by means of questionnaires and interview guides. This gave the researcher a first-hand information about the activities of the immigrants in Koforidua. The data were both quantitative and qualitative to enable the researcher pick up the nuances in the responses. 20 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 3.4 Population The study was carried out in the New Juaben Municipality and the study population was immigrants who have been living in the study area for at least one year. The study was limited to the Nigerian immigrants in the study area. Their total population is not known but from this population, the sample was selected for the study. 3.5 Sampling Design and sample Purposive sampling technique was used in getting respondents for the study, with assistance from the municipal assembly. The researcher also used the snowballing sampling design in some cases to select some respondents. This became necessary where some respondents had to make contact with other Nigerians in the Municipality for the interview. Mixed-method approach was used in the study; a sample of 150 immigrants were used. 3.6 Research Instruments The study adopted a mixed-method research design to explore the economic activities of Nigerian migrants in Ghana, specifically, in Koforidua. As such, both questionnaire and interview guides will be used to collect the primary data. The questionnaires were designed in simple language to enhance understanding while avoiding ambiguity. The questionnaires were pre-coded to make the data collection easier and faster. The interview guides were semi- structured. 3.7 Data Collection The data collection exercise was done through face-to-face interviews with the respondents. The interviews took place at the various places as scheduled by the respondents so that the exercise would not interfere with their daily economic activities. During the interviews, permission was sought from the respondents in order to record the conversations. Field note was also taken to cross validate the transcripts. In order to complete the data collection in 21 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh time, two field assistances were employed and trained to help in the data collection. The exercise took three weeks. 3.8 Data Management and Analysis The primary data were cleaned, coded and entered into the statistical software called SPSS (Statistical Software for Service Solution). The software package was used to generate frequencies and other numerical statistics for analysis. Tables, charts and quotes have been used to present the data. The findings have been discussed in the light of the existing literature. 22 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh CHAPTER FOUR DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS 4.1 Introduction This phase of the study is concerned with the presentation of the data that were collected using the various research instruments. The researcher, in this chapter analyzes the data using frequency tables and charts to organize the responses. Where necessary, quotes from the qualitative data have been presented to provide further understanding of the issues and themes that emerged from the survey. The analyses have been done in line with the main research objectives of the study so that answers to the research questions would be provided. Thus, it is structured to match the main headings and themes in the research instruments used. 4.2 Respondents socio-demographic and economic background Information The background information of the respondents is very vital to understanding the responses that emerged from the study. This will help both the researcher and the users of the knowledge produced understand what respondents said, and why they said what they said. 4.2.1 Age Distribution of Respondents The age distribution of respondents of the will help one know which age group of Nigerians come to Ghana and this will provide an understanding of why how and why they came to Ghana, including their economic activities and effects on the Ghanaian economy. The ages of the respondents have been grouped to enable their classification. This classification is mainly used by the Ghana Statistical service (GSS, 2014). 23 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Table 4.1 Background of Respondents Background information Frequency Per cent (%) Age 15-19 21 14.0 20-24 20 13.3 25-29 35 23.3 30-34 30 20.0 35-39 30 20.0 40-44 5 3.3 45-49 1 0.7 50-54 8 5.3 55-59 0 0.0 60+ 0 0.0 Total 150 100.0 Sex of Respondents Male 88 58.7 Female 62 41.3 Total 150 100.0 Source: Field Data, 2019 4.3 Nigerian Migrants’ networks One of the popular theories for explaining migration variables, apart from the Push-Pull Theory is the Social Network Theory. The theory, propounded by Jacob Meoreno in the 1930s but became very popular in the 1980s (Fuchs and Trottier, 2014) has been very useful in many ways in helping understand migration, whether internal or external. This study employed the network theory, assuming that the Nigerian immigrants, like other immigrants in Ghana came into country through their various social networks who have been in Ghana earlier and might have provided some information, linkages and other services that led to the migration of many Nigerians into the country, Ghana (Awumbila et al., 2013). Usually, services rendered by the Nigerian immigrants in Ghana. In the interviews, respondents were asked how they came to Ghana, in the question „who brought you to Ghana?‟. The responses show that most (66) of them came to Ghana with their relatives, usually, their parents, uncles, aunts, and brothers and sisters. From Table 4.2 66 (44.0%) of them came through their parents and relatives combined. Some of them (60, representing 40.0 %) also came to Ghana 24 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh through their friends who have been in Ghana earlier before the respondents came. The study shows that non of them was born in Ghana. The table 4.1 summarizes the distribution Table 4.2 Networks of Nigerian Immigrants in Ghana Network Number (f) Percent (%) Parents 45 30.0 Other Relatives 21 14.0 Friends 60 40.0 Business men/women 9 6.0 Others 15 10.0 Total 150 100.0 Source: Source: Field Data, 2019 Even though only few of them came through business men and women, it is important to consider this distribution serious since it is an emerging platform for those who cannot travel on their own because of lack of information and other travel arrangements will begin flooding the country easily with the help of these intermediaries and agents. Some recent studies on the role of migration agents, agencies and other intermediaries show that the „migration market‟ is responsible for the illegal mobility of people across borders (GIS, 2017). Besides, these migration intermediaries are also responsible for the woes of many migrants in the destination areas, and sometimes in the travel process (Gaus, 2010). People helping their friends to migrate and establish themselves is another issue that needs government and other state agencies‟ attention. This is because, friends form a hub for many illegal activities (Debrah, 2007). The fact that they are friends means influencing each other will not be a difficult thing at in this social peer group, and this becomes a center for many social vices including kidnapping, armed robbery, smoking, and rape, among others (Geerts et al., 2014). Besides, these people of the same age group residing in a particular turn the place into a slum easily and this comes with its attendant problems that are in most cases difficult to deal with (Debrah, 2007). The above networks certainly provide us with a clue of some of the activities of Nigerian immigrants in Ghana. 25 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 4.4 Migrants Activities in Ghana One of the main variables of this study is the main reason why there is influx of Nigerians in Ghana as immigrants. Thus, the researcher tried to find out why these immigrants are currently in Ghana. The responses show that some of them came for the purpose of education. This group of people form a little more than one-third of the total sample (53), forming about 35.3% of the sample. The study also shows that 40, representing 26.7% also came to Ghana purposely to help their parents with their businesses, while 30 (20%) of them said they came to seek job opportunities. Yet, 10 (6.7%) said they came to help their parents with domestic work so their parents could get time to go about their economic and non- household activities, while 17 (11.3%) were recruited for paid domestic work so their employers could get time for their other activities. Table 4.3 below summarizes the responses. According some studies, economic activities benefit households and the macro- economy as a whole. Where as individuals and house holds get food and income for the gratification of their immediate needs, the national economy also benefits from the taxes and surplus food (Liu, 2010). Economic activities of the citizens in the country can either be in the formal or informal sector (Obeng, 2013). Table 4.3 Why Nigerian immigrants in Ghana Reason Frequency Percent To seek for job 30 20.0 Help parents with domestic job 10 6.7 To attend school 53 35.3 To help parents with their businesses 40 26.7 To help a person with domestic job 17 11.3 Total 150 100.0 Source: Field Data, 2019 The study shows that education in Ghana is good for the Nigerians because most of them travel to Ghana for education. Some other studies have shown that there are more Nigerian immigrants in Ghana came purposely for education, and they can be found at almost every 26 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh stage or level of education and almost in every school in the the cities (Ho, 2012). It is interesting to discover that a lot Nigerians also came to Ghana to search for job and work when there are a lot of Ghanaians who are unemployed (Di Carlo, 2017). It makes sense to argue that if these Nigerians in Ghana do not find jobs to do, they will engage in many social vices that are characteristics of unemployed people (Debrah, 2007). This will worsen the unemployment situation in Ghana. Studies in Ghana has shown that the type of economic activity of the people depends largely on the educational levels of the people (Obeng, 2013; Sun & Heshmati, 2010). Like in similar other studies, usually, those engaged in the informal sector activities form the majority in Ghana. These activities are also hampered by competition from their counterparts since entry is easier (Ho, 2012). There is the need for studies on the activities of immigrants, particularly immigrants operating the informal economy in the New Juaben Municipality, where there is now massive influx in order to have a knowledge of the effects on the economy. [ Another finding from the above Table 4.3 that is worth noting is the fact that some Nigerian immigrants are here in the country with their children. This is an indication that they have migrated permanently, and can also serve as networks for other Nigerians to migrate to Ghana. The fact that some of them also own businesses in the country implies that the ECOWAS Protocol is being realized (2014). The study shows that majority of the Nigerian immigrants in Ghana are working. Out of a total of 150 respondents, 105 (70.0%) while the remaining 45 (30.0%) are not working. This however, is expected since some of them came purposely to attend Ghanaian schools. The pie chart below illustrates this data (Figure 4.1). 27 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Chart Title Yes No Figure 4.1 Work status of Nigerian immigrants It was also important for the researcher to find out the nature and type of work Nigerian immigrants are engaged in in the study area. The study shows that majority of them (46, representing 30.7%) of them are engaged in wholesale trade, while 38 (25.3%) are engaged in retail trade. This confirms other studies in other parts of the country. One characteristic of wholesale and retail trade in Ghana is that majority of Ghanaians are engaged in these activities for their livelihood. Nigerian immigrants engaging in retail and wholesale trade means they are competing with the Ghanaians in the market. Economically, and obviously, this competition, if healthy, will benefit consumers as it negatively affects the wholesalers (Awumbila et al., 2013). Table 4.4 provides a summary of the data. Table 4.4 Economic Activities of Nigerian Immigrants in Ghana Economic Activity Frequency Percent (%) Retail 38 25.3 Wholesale 46 30.7 Manufacturing 0 0.0 Transport 6 4.0 Restaurant/hospitality 4 2.7 Small scale mining 0 0.0 Others 11 7.3 Total 150 100.0 Source: Field Data, 2019 28 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh It is clear from 4.4 that non of the respondents is engaged in manufacturing activities in the study area, Koforidua. Whereas this a characteristic of the study area (that manufacturing activities are not apart from carpentry), it will be expected that this will present an opportunity for immigrants in the study area to take advantage and establish manufacturing companies. Their involvement same economic activities as the Ghanaians is an indication that they also lack resources to do so. The study further shows that majority (13.3%) of those who are not working are not schooling either. This raises the question of what they are doing then in Ghana. This is because they need to survive. The Table 4.5 shows the summary. Table 4.5 Activities of those who are not working Activity Frequency Percent (%) Currently schooling 18 12.0 Not schooling but not working 22 13.3 Helping parents with domestic work 4 2.7 Helping others with domestic work 3 2.0 Others 0 0.0 Not applicable 105 70.0 Total 45 100.0 Source: Field Data, 2019 From the Table 4.5, 18 (12.0%) of the respondents are currently schooling, while the rest are domestic workers, some for dependents but others for their parents. The qualitative data show that these respondents do not have problem with what to eat. One respondent said: “Oh, for what to eat, haha, no problem at all. I get food to eat and cloth to wear. You know, life in Ghana is good. We get people to help us in Ghana oo.” (A 26-year-old respondent). The above quotes suggest that Ghanaians are hospitable, and this could explain partly the reason why a lot of Nigerians are migrating to Ghana. This means there are some Ghanaians 29 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh who help visitors, providing them with some of the basic necessities of life. However, some of the respondents said they are not „…having it easy at all because I am not working and my parents are also not here, so it is not easy, not easy…‟ (A 21-year-old Nigerian immigrant). It is still a wonder how these unemployed Nigerian immigrants are living and surviving in Ghana. Perhaps, there are some secretes to life regarding their livelihood strategies they did not want to disclose. However, the qualitative data show that some of them, especially the students, receive moneys in the form of transfers from their parents and relatives in Nigeria. One respondent said, „they send us money for school fees and other things we need…we also have other Nigerians here in Ghana who and we help each other in times of need. We are fine, everything is fine‟ (A 34-year-old respondent). It is clear from the quote above that Nigerian immigrants in Ghana have association in the study area and they provide some form of support to each other. Probably this could be the same social network through which they came to Ghana. The researcher went ahead to do an assessment of the standard of living of the immigrants over the past five years. All the respondents were asked this question. The study shows that Nigerian immigrants in Koforidua now have better standard of living than in the past five years. Majority (95, representing 63.3%) of them responded „yes‟, while 10 (representing 6.7%) said „no‟ and the remaining 30.0% said they „don‟t know‟. The distribution of the responses is shown in the bar chart below (Figure 4.2) 30 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Chart Title 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Yes No Don't know Figure 4.2 Improvement in living standard over the past 5 years. Source: Field Data, 2019 This is an indication that living in Ghana is better than in Nigeria. It is not surprising one 41- year old respondent said: „You know Ghana is the most peaceful country in Africa, and we enjoy life here. That is why I am here with my children. No fights, better schools, yeah, it is good living in Ghana.‟ The quote above from the 41-year-old female Nigerian immigrants paints a clear picture of some of the reasons why Nigerians and people from other African countries are migrating to Ghana. The quote reveals that there are better educational, political, and socio-economic systems in Ghana currently as compared with other sister countries in the region. It was better to investigate the impacts of these immigrants in the economy of the study area. 4.5 Impacts of Nigerian Immigrants’ Activities The study discovered that the Nigerian immigrants in the study area engage in wholesale and retail economic activities in Koforidua. The goods they trade in, according to the study from the qualitative data, Nigerians engage the with the following characteristics:  Petty trading (mostly in kioks)  Provisions of all kinds (in large quantities)  Foodstuffs/food items/vegetables 31 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh  Cloths (they buy from Togo at cheaper prices at sell at lower prices)  Electronics (in stores and big shops)  Hawking  Pharmaceuticals The qualitative data show that the Nigerian immigrants sell these things at cheaper prices than those produced sold in Ghana, and those imported from other countries. When asked why? The main theme that emerged was that they wanted the customers to get produce at lower prices so everybody can at least afford. One Nigerian immigrant said: „it is better to get something small from the sales than nothing at all the whole day. We need the money to do business. It makes the business move oya oya so we can get some some profit‟ (45-year old trader). The idea of the Nigerian traders in the study area of selling goods to Ghanaians at cheaper prices is not bad, since they seek the well-being of the customers. However, because the Ghanaian traders also sell these same things but mostly in retail shops but at comparatively higher prices. This makes the Ghanaian traders loose customers. Besides, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act (GIPC, 2017) does not allow foreigners in Ghana to sell anything in a market, including petty trading, hawking, selling in kioks (Granovetter, 1995). These are the very activities the Nigerian immigrants trade in in the study area, competing with the Ghanaians. Moreover, even though some few of the traders employ some Ghanaians to help them with the business, the study show that they are few. Out of the total of 150 respondents, only 16 (10.7%)of them employed Ghanaians. This is low (See Figure 4.3). 32 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Yes No Figure 4.3 Employment of Ghanaians by immigrants. Source: Field Data, 2019 Additionally, the study tried to find out whether respondents engage in some philanthropic activities in the study area. The study shows that out of the 150 respondents interviewed, 15 of them said „yes‟, making reference mainly to donations at the various churches they fellowship with. The study show that they do not engage in such activities as communal labour, donation to orphanages among others. They do not even have time for such activities because of their businesses and other engagements. It should be recalled that some of the respondents are students in the study area. For those people, like their Ghanaian counterparts in the various schools, do not involve themselves in such community activities. However, the study shows that these immigrants live in rented apartments for which they pay rent. Their landlords get some money from the rents they pay for the upkeep of the family. The study shows that those who are not renting in houses because they are students also pay for hostel facilities, while those in the stores also pay rent for using the stores. The Table 4.6 shows the nature of rent they pay in the study area. It is important to note that this question from the survey is a multiple response question, and respondents were allowed to select as many as possible responses. Hence, totals are not provided in the table. 33 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Table 4.6 Nature of Rent Immigrants pay Rent type Number of people Percent (%) Market store 14 9.3 Private store 65 43.3 Hostel facilities 3 2.0 Room/accommodation 85 56.7 None 7 4.7 Other 9 6.0 Source: Field Data, 2019. In the qualitative data, a 51-year-old landlord said: „we rent out rooms to them and make money to pay for our other expenses‟. This confirms what the survey data is saying. This indicates that there are some benefits Ghanaians in the study area derive from Nigerian immigrants in Koforidua. How long Respondents have been in Ghana In order to understand the impact of the impact of the Nigerians on the Ghanaian economy, it became necessary to find out how long they have been in Ghana. The study shows that majority (47, representing 31.3%) of the respondents said they have been living in Ghana, and for that matter the study area, Koforidua for between 1-4 years now, while 30 (20.0%) of them said they have been living in Ghana for less than one (1) year. Even though this percentage distribution shows that those who have been living in the study area for less than one year is less than those living in the study area for between 1-4, the difference is not much, and shows that more people will be coming to Ghana than before. Figure 4.4 shows the distribution, indicating that the number increases each present year. 34 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Chart Title 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 < 1 year 1-4 years 5-9 years 10+ Figure 4.4 How long Respondents have been living in Ghana. Source: Field Data, 2019 It is possible that with time there will be more Nigerians in the study area than they are now if conditions favouring their stay in Ghana does not change in a negative way. If the activities of these immigrants in the study area are having negative impacts on the economy of the study area, then laws need to be enforced immediately to control them before they get out of control. This happened in Accra less than a decade ago when Nigerian immigrants were not conforming to some laws and policies of the country. [ Performance of Business One of the variables important to this study is how business is performing in Ghana. Table 4.7 Performance of Nigerian Immigrants’ Business Performance Frequency Percent (%) Excellent 15 10.0 Very good 25 16.7 Good 28 18.7 Sometimes good, sometimes not good 30 20.0 Not good 3 2.0 Very poor 2 1.3 Don‟t know 2 1.3 Total 150 100.0 Source: Field Data, 2019 35 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh From Table 4.7 above, the study shows that business fluctuates with time. The study shows that 30 (20.0%) of the respondents said sometimes, business is good and sometimes business is bad. This depends on the structure of the economy coupled with changing seasons and other climatic factors (Awumbila et al., 2013). However, 28 (18.7%) of the respondents said business is „good‟, 25 (16.7%) said business is „very good‟, while 15 (10.0%) said business is excellent. Combining the positive factors in Table 4.7 above, it can be seen that the businesses of the Nigerian immigrants in Koforidua are performing well and far better than the negative side of the scale of measurement. It is conclusive that businesses of Nigerian immigrants are performing well. This explains why in the in-depth interview, a 38-year-old Nigerian trader said: “The business environment in Ghana is very good, and things are going on well, though sometimes it doesn‟t go as expected. So we will take it like that…” The quote above is one that summarizes the performance of businesses of the Nigerian immigrants in Koforidua. This shows that these immigrants are comfortable in Koforidua where the study has been undertaken. This can be applied to Ghana. Another respondent said “the Ghanaian economic and political environment is a peaceful” (A 32-year-old Nigerian). The study compares the business of the Nigerian traders with that of their Ghanaian competitors. This would enable us understand the impact of the Nigerian immigrants in the study area. The study shows that both Ghanaians and Nigerians experience the same business environment, and so they all have customers equally. The survey data show that 80 (53.3%) of the respondents said that „all of us‟ have more customers and better businesses. Even though the percent distribution is more than 50.0%, the qualitative data do not support that. The in-depth interview from the Ghanaians rather show that the Nigerian immigrants have more customers than the Ghanaian traders. One 46-year-old Ghanaian trader commented that: 36 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh „they have more customers than we the Ghanaians have…they intentionally reduce the prices of their goods to attract more customers. They are spoiling the business for us, in fact, they are disturbing us in our own country. Why?‟ The quote above from a 46-year old female trader provides a summary of the the comments and reservations the Ghanaian trades have against the influx of the Nigerian immigrants in the study area. The comment is not a positive one and suggests a negative impact of the Nigerian immigrant in the Ghanaian economy as a whole. It is argued that as more young people enter Ghana‟s labour market than ever before, the pressure to migrate may increase unless employment opportunities for young labour market entrants improve. This reflects this study. It is expected that Ghana‟s labour force will grow faster than its population over the next decade, and this is partly due to the influx of foreigners in the Ghanaian economy. While Ghana‟s annual population growth rate – one of the lowest in the sub-region – is projected to remain at 2.2 per cent, its labour force is estimated to increase yearly by 2.9 per cent for the next 15 years (GSS, 2005b). Although the economy has grown steadily over the past few years, from 5.2 per cent in 2003 to 6.3 per cent in 2007, labour-intensive sectors such as manufacturing have been growing more slowly and are therefore unable to absorb the expanding labour force. According to 2000 census data, unemployment especially affects the young and those with no schooling (49%). Additionally, the survey data show that all the Nigerians in Ghana send money to family and relations back home in Nigeria. These transfers have implications on the financial market in Ghana. When asked how frequent they transfer money to families and relations back home in Nigeria the following came up. The counts associated with each does not really matter since this was a multiple response question and respondents were not regular in their transfers. 37 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh  Every week  Every two weeks  Every three weeks  Every month  Other The qualitative data show that these Nigerians have some positive impacts in the study area. Some people said they give them contracts from which they earn money even though it is a temporal job. A 38-year old carpenter said: „I get contracts from them to construct some stuffed chairs for some few them. I charged them and used the money for some household expenses so I think they are good.‟ The data show that some of the immigrants pay taxes for their activities to the Municipal Assembly development projects. A 46-year old Ghanaian business woman whose business is located close to some Nigerians said: „when the tax collectors come for the money the Nigerians also pay, and the government also get some money to run state‟. The data shows that apart from the hawkers some of the Nigerians in the study area have registered for tax identification number (TIN) with which they transact business. This gives them license the engage in some economic activities in the country. 38 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh CHAPTER FIVE SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Introduction This chapter of the study is the final one, and it summarizes the major findings from the study. The chapter draws conclusions from the data analysis and provides recommendations for policy. The summary from the findings, the conclusions and recommendations have been aligned with the main research objectives of the study to provide goodness of fit in the study and the report. 5.2 Summary of the study The study was undertaken to explore the activities of Nigerian immigrants in Koforidua in the Eastern Region. The main specific objectives of the study reflect have been reflected on the summary. The study shows that most of the Nigerian immigrants in Koforidua are men in their youthful ages. This has been a major characteristic of migrants especially in Africa. The study shows that both the push-pull theory and the social network theory are responsible for explaining the reasons why Nigerians are increasingly moving to the study area, Koforidua, in the Eastern region of Ghana. However, the network theory features and manifests most in this study. Most of the respondents came to Ghana through their friends who have migrated before them and serve various roles in making sure new immigrants are adapted and acclimatize in their new destination (Koforidua). Other networks were provided by parents who have migrated ahead of their children. Other networks include other relatives such aunts, uncles and brothers and sisters. The study shows that in some few cases, business men were also involved in the migration of Nigerians to Ghana. 39 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Regarding migrants‟ reasons for coming to Ghana, the study shows that some of these Nigerian immigrants came to seek for jobs; for education, to help their parents with their business, and to help other people with domestic jobs. In the study area, the study shows that the immigrants mainly engage in retail business, wholesale business, and few engage in transport, hospitality, and other jobs in the informal sector. By law, however, these jobs are not to be done by foreigners in the country. The study also shows that their engagement in these economic activities have improved their standard of living as compared with over five the past five years. Concerning the impact of their activities in the study area, the study shows a balanced projection of both positive and negative impacts. The study shows that the immigrants have rented rooms and some have rented office spaces and stores for which they pay rent for the owners to get some money to earn their living. They also sell things at cheaper prices for ensure many Ghanaians are not prized out of in the economy. Even though the study shows that they actually do not engage in philanthropic activities and other community development projects in the study area, Nigerian immigrants provide market for food vendors and they also patronize the goods and services produced by Ghanaians. Those who are also selling in bigger shops employ some Ghanaians and pay some tax for the development of the economy. According to the study, the main effect of the immigrants identified is the fact that they compete with the local traders some of whose businesses are at the verge of collapsing. This affects the Ghanaian traders‟ livelihoods. The study also shows that some of the things the Nigerian immigrants trade in, for instance the medicines have not been certified by the Ghana Food and Drug Authority. This is very dangerous to the health of the „Ghanaians‟. They also transfer moneys from the Ghanaian economy to their relation back home in Nigeria. 40 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 5.3 Conclusions The study concludes that the presence of the ECOWAS Protocol coupled with the social networks of the Nigerians will continue to provide opportunities for Nigerians to come to Ghana. This is because, while social networks provide assistance for Nigerians in the form of resources and accommodation to migrate, the ECOWAS Protocol makes their movement to Ghana easier even through approved routes. Other factors such us weak policies and porous entry points into the country allow Ghanaians to expect more Nigerians in Ghana, who will enjoy privileges that are meant for Ghanaian nationals e.g the Free S.H.S. this will pose a lot of financial stress on the Government of Ghana. The Free Senior High Education is more likely making education in Ghana cheaper than in Nigeria and other neirgbouring countries. This is why this and other studies show that there are Nigerians in every level of education in Ghanaian schools. However, some Nigerian immigrants provide employment opportunities for Ghanaians from which they earn their living. Some, but few Nigerians pay tax, but transfer money back home to their relatives. This shows that their activities in Ghana do not solely have negative impact on Ghanaians. 5.4 Recommendations The following recommendations have been made for policy considerations. One of the recommendations is that the government must set up a system that will make sure immigrants comply with certain rules and policies in coming and staying in Ghana. This will help control the influx of foreign nationals into the country. This is because the study shows that most of the immigrants do not pay tax. The nature of their businesses make it difficult for the tax collectors to collect tax from them. 41 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh In order to check the immigration of the Nigerian into Ghana, the Ghana Immigration Service should be beefed up in terms of numbers, and well resourced to be able to protect the borders. This will prevent illegal entries into the country. A task force should also be set up and well resourced at both the regional and district levels to control the activities of these immigrants and collect taxes from them. Because most of the Nigerians also come to Ghana for education, at the basic and Senior High levels, policies should be enacted to make foreigners pay school fees and other academic user fees. This will make Ghanaians get some money from the foreigners to support the education system. 42 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh REFERENCES Antwi-Bosiakoh, T. (2009). Understanding Migration Motivation in West Africa: The Case of Nigerians in Ghana. Legon Journal of Sociology, 3 (22): 93-112. Asante, K. (2009). “Alone in the Cold? Ghanaian and Nigerian Immigrant Entrepreneurship in North London”. An unpublished thesis submitted to the Department of Sociology: London School of Economics and Political Science.. Awumbila, M., & Ardayfio-Schandorf, E. (2008). 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(2013). China- Africa trade from Africa and China‟s global perspectives. The European Union, the United States and China in Africa.“ The Development Dialogue” . Geneva: WC Publications Light, I. H. &Bonacich, E. (1988). Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Koreans in Los Angeles 1965- 1982. Berkeley: University of California Press. Liu, J. J. (2010). Contact and Identity: The experience of "china goods" in a Ghanaian market place. Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology 20(3), 184- 201. Liu, J.C.Y. (2013). Sino-African cultural relations Africa in theirWords – A Study of Chinese Traders in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia and Angola, The Brenthurst Foundation Discussion Paper, 3. Marfaing, L. & Thiel, A. (2011). Chinese commodity import and Senegal: Demystifying Chinese Business Strength in Urban West Africa. Working paper 180. Hamburg: German Institute of Global and Area Studies. Mcnamee, T. (2012). Africa in the words in the words: A study of Chinese traders in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zambia and Angola. Metcalfe-Hough, V. (2015). The migration crisis? Facts, challenges and possible solutions. Taken from https://wwww.odi.org/sites//odi.oorg.uk/files/oodi-assets//ppublicationsopinion- ffiles//9913. pdf on, 14, 2016. Miller, R. & Brewer, J. (2004). “The A - Z of Social Research.” London, Sage. Ministry of the Interior (2017). Ghana Police Service. Ghana. Available at: https://www.mint.gov.gh/agencies/ghana-police-service. Accessed on 28th November, 2017. Ministry of Trade and Industry (2012). Programme Based Budget for 2012-2014. Accra, Assembly Press. 44 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Modern Ghana 2012). Deadly borders of West Africa. Special Report. Available at: https://wwww.modernghana.com//nnews//415420//11//ddeadly-borders- of -west- africa.html .Accessed on 29th October, 2017. Obeng, M. (2013). Networks and strategies of Ghanaian transnational traders importing from China. Ratha, D. (2016). Migration and remittances Factbook 2016. The World Bank. Sarpong, A. L. (2015). Ghana-China Bilateral Relations, (Figures of Controversy) Advances in Economics and Business Management (AEBM)), 2 (114): 1438-1442 Schultheis, E. (2018). How Italy‟s Five-Star Movement is winning the youth vote. The Atlantic. Available at: www.theatlantic.com//amp/article/54408/ Sun, P. & Heshmati, A. (2010). International trade and its effects on economic growth in China. IZA Discussion Paper No. 5151. Sylvanus, N. (2009). The fabric of Africanity: Tracing the global thread of authenticity. Anthropological Theory 7(2), 201-216. 45 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh QUESTIONNAIRE My name is Ernest Kwaku Boateng. I am a graduate student of the University of Ghana, and I am carrying out a study on the the impact of Nigerian migrants‟ activities in Ghana, and with reference to this area. The study is solely for the award of Master of Arts in Migration Studies as a requirement as a partial fulfilment. Your response is needed to enable me complete the study. Your responses will be treated confidentially, and thus your name will not be attributed to any response you provide. However, your participation in this study is not compulsory, and you can also choose not to answer any questions you feel uncomfortable to answer. Section A: Socio-demographic and Economic Background of Respondents 1. Age of respondent as of last birthday ………………………….. 2. Sex of the respondent a. Male b. Female 3. Level of education completed a. No formal education b. Primary education c. JHS/JSS/Middle school d. Secondary education e. University/Tertiary education f. Currently schooling 6. 4. Who brought you to Ghana? a. Father b. Mother c. Both parents d. Other relatives e. A friend f. Other person/businessman g. Was born in Ghana h. Other, please specify…………………………. 7. If you were not born in, why did you come to Ghana? a. To seek for job b. To help parent with domestic work c. To school d. To help parent in their business e. To help a person with domestic work f. Other, please specify……………………………………………………………………. 8. Are you working? a. Yes b. No 46 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh 9. Marital status of respondent a. Never married b. Informal/Consensual c. Married d. Separated e. Divorced f. Widowed 10. Religious affiliation a. No religion b. Catholic c. Protestant d. Pentecostal e. Islam f. Other, please specify………………………………………………………………………….. 11. How many years have you been living in Koforidua? a. Less than 1 year b. 1-4 years c. 5-9 years d. 10 years and above e. since birth 12. Who are you living here with? a. Mother b. Father c. Both father and mother d. Other relative e. Friend f. Other, please specify…………………………………………………………………. Section B: Migrant’s Economic Activities 13. If yes, what is the nature of your business? 1. Retail 2. Wholesale 3. Manufacturing 4. Transportation 5. Restaurant/hospitality 6. Small scale mining 7. Other, please specify……………………………………………………………….. 14. If “no” what are you currently doing? 1. Currently schooling 2. Not schooling but not working 3. Helping parents with domestic work 4. Helping other relative with domestic work 5. Other, specify…………………………………………………………………………. 15. How much do you earn per month?............................................... 47 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Section C: Impacts of the economic activities of the migrants in the study area 16. If working, how long have you been working in Ghana? 1. Less than one year 2. 1-4 years 3. 5-9 years 4. 10 years and above 17. How is the business performing in this area in Ghana? 1. Excellent 2. Very good 3. 3. Good 4. sometimes good, sometimes bad 5. not good 6. very poor 7. Don‟t know 18. Compared with the Ghanaian competitors in this area, which of you has more customers/better business? 1. Nigerians 2. Ghanaians 3. All of us 4. Don‟t know 19. What can you say about the business environment in Ghana?........................................ ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20. Do you send money back home to relatives/friends? 1. Yes 2. No 21. If yes, “how frequent”? 1. Every week 2. Every two weeks 3. Every three weeks 4. Every month 5. Other, please specify……………………………………………. 22. Do you send money home for projects? 1. Yes 2. No 23. Do you have Tax Identification Number (TIN)? 1. Yes 2. No 24. If working, have you registered your business? 1. Yes 2. No 25. If working, do you pay tax? 1. Yes 2. No 48 University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh Interview Guide for Ghanaians Date of interview…………………………….. Interviewee ID/SN…………………………… Level of education……………………………. Occupation…………………………………… 1. Are you aware of the influx and presence of Nigerian migrants in this area?Do you know any of them?................................................................................................ 2. What economic activities do they engage in?......................................................... ……………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………. 3. Personally, what are the effects of their activities on your business?..................... …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… 4. What are the effects of their activities in on your work?............................................. ……………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. What are the effects of the activities on other people‟s work?.................................... ………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 6. What are the effects of their activities on the economy as a whole?........................... ……………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7. How do you see the Nigerian immigrants in Ghana?.................................................. ………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 8. What other activities do they engage in?..................................................................... ………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………. 49