In a year, 65 to 70% of migrants move to Ghana, including children aged 7-18, teenagers aged 19-24, and older people. Many come from countries such as Niger, Liberia, and Nigeria.
Most do not know anyone in Ghana, so they work hard to support themselves.
Male teenagers are often seen selling phone covers, helping in stores, and doing other profitable jobs. The ladies work as female porters, known locally as “kayayei.” Children are often seen begging for money on the streets.
After a day’s work, they tend to sleep outside, often in front of stores and houses. They are frequently seen in areas like Abossey Okai, Kaneshie, Sabon Zongo, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle, as well as Makola, Agbogbloshie, and Kantamanto.
In an interview, one lady stated that “we are seen as lazy for allowing our children to beg instead of us working hard to put them in school”. She argued that this is not the case, explaining that they search for jobs but are not trusted with opportunities because they are not Ghanaian citizens. This lack of trust makes them feel bad, but they understand the local people’s perspective.
A second interview with a store owner in Sabon Zongo revealed complaints about theft. Mrs. Lamptey mentioned an incident last year where a lady fled with her money and never returned. They searched for her everywhere, but it was later confirmed that she had fled back to her country. Due to such incidents, Mrs. Lamptey said they could never allow any of the immigrants to take care of their shops.
Children begging for money on the streets are usually aged 5-15. Some are physically challenged or too young to work as hawkers, so begging becomes their only option. While the children beg, their mothers sit on pavements with babies, and fathers stand nearby, observing. If a child gets too attached to one person, the father moves them to a different area to beg.
Elderly men and women are also seen on the streets asking for money and food. Elderly men typically sit on one side of the road to beg, while elderly women, often crippled or pretending to be, are seen on the other side. They may be pushed by children or manage on their own. At the end of the day, they all return to sleep in front of various stores.
By Tetteh Khadijah | UNiMAC-IJ.
BACS25308
