Urbanization and economic disparities have brought significant social challenges to Ghana’s urban centers, particularly Accra.
Among these issues is the rising phenomenon of Kayayei, where young women and children, primarily from the northern regions, migrate to cities in search of better opportunities.
Despite numerous initiatives aimed at addressing their struggles, including vocational training programs, Kayayei continues to endure harsh living conditions and face various forms of exploitation.
The economic realities that drive many into the Kayayei trade are grim. Most head porters cite financial hardship as the main reason for leaving their families behind to work in Accra and other urban centers. Several Kayayei, many admitted that the decision to migrate was a means of survival. Some say it’s just because of money, and so they come to the city to do their Kaya job to gather some funds, go back home, and take care of their parents and siblings at home.
According to a 2019 report by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, there are over 100,000 Kayayei nationwide. Of these, 85,600 are concentrated in the Greater Accra Region, 22,500 in the Ashanti Region, and about 1,000 in the Bono Region. Many operate in bustling markets such as Madina Market, where they earn a meager income to support their families.
The struggles of Kayayei extend beyond economic challenges. A 25-year-old head porter shared her daily reality. She stated; “We don’t earn much from our Kaya jobs, but we bring home what we can to support our families.”
Living in unsanitary conditions, often without shelter, these women and children face numerous risks, including abuse. Alima, a porter in her thirties, revealed the toll the work takes on their bodies and spirits. “I came to earn money to care for my children and support my household,” she said.
Another porter, Mercy, explained that her focus was on earning money to support her parents, sacrificing her own education in the process.
The children of Kayayei are not spared from the harsh realities of this trade, with many unable to access education or proper care. Mr. Bright Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International, highlighted the dangers faced by these children. He highlighted;
“Kayayei can also be classified as a hazardous activity. For that matter, the provisions of this country do not allow children to participate in hazardous activity. At a certain age, the law does not allow that.”
Mr. Bright Appiah, Executive Director of Child Rights International
He further emphasized the need for mechanisms to protect the children of Kayayei and ensure their right to education is upheld.
Failed Interventions: The Case of the Kayayei Training Center
However, In May 2024, the government attempted to address the challenges faced by Kayayei through the inauguration of a Kayayei Training Center. Spearheaded by the former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, outlines the center’s aim, stating;
“What we are doing for Kayayei today is part of a whole program to empower head porters, offering transitional job pathways and enhancing their socioeconomic status.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Former Vice President
However, the training center has since fallen into disrepair, rendering it non-operational. According to the NDC Chairman for the Madina Constituency, Alhaji Ibrahim Fuseini Faila, the facility was vandalized shortly after its opening. He stated;
“Less than a week after the declaration, a call came that some people came to the entire building, ransacking it and removing fridges, machines, and a whole lot of different gadgets. We also sent in our guys and reported to the police.”
Alhaji Ibrahim Fuseini Faila NDC Chairman Madina
This unfortunate turn of events highlighted the failure of such interventions to bring sustainable change to the lives of Kayayei.
The Way Forward: Addressing Root Causes
Experts emphasize that addressing the root causes of Kayayei migration requires a more holistic approach. Dr. Wilfred Ochan, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative to Ghana, explained;
“There are the pull factors in the cities and urban areas where they come to. All of these underlie the reason for which we are seeing the growth in a number of young people coming to this space estimated over 100,000. When they’ve come into this place, there are risks and vulnerabilities they are exposed to. Therefore, a good strategy or a good approach, in my view, would be a national strategy that looks at the push and pull factors but also addresses the risks and vulnerabilities of Kayayei when they’re in this trade.”
Dr. Wilfred Ochan United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative to Ghana
While vocational training programs like the Kayayei Training Center are a step in the right direction, they are not enough to tackle the complex challenges faced by head porters.
Experts recommend an integrated approach that combines vocational training with legal protections, access to education, and healthcare facilities.
The plight of Kayayei is a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address urban poverty and migration.
Without a comprehensive national strategy, the struggles of these young women and children will persist, perpetuating a cycle of hardship and inequality in Ghana’s urban centers.
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