Migration and settlement : exploring what drives rural-urban displacement in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Rural- urban migration is a popular documented trend among developing countries. It is estimated that 64.7% of Ghana’s migrants move within the country, mostly from the poor rural areas. Predominantly, the geographical north and adjoining towns have high numbers of the youthful population migrating downwards to the southern enclave. This is where most businesses are centred with robust economic activities and significant structural developments. Using a qualitative research design, this study explores the drivers that underlie this influx of young migrants into the Kumasi city or towns. This work delves into the push and pull factors that harness this phenomenon. Using an interview guide, 10 respondents from the Upper East, Western, Brong Ahafo, Eastern and Northern region were purposely selected to give their motivations and reasons compelling them to relocate from their respective homes to Kumasi. The study employs the two-sector theory and Todaro’s theory to examine the interplay of push and pull factors within the context of rural youth who show unflinching desire to live in an economic viable city fused with glit and glamour. It is observed from the study that desire for comfort, pressure from family and social reputation is among the many reasons influencing the youth to migrate. The good and bad experiences of most migrants after arriving in the city is presented with documented pictures which unveils the hardships many must endure for survival. Other social dimensions that negatively affect health, gender, child abuse, threat to security etc. resulting from over population in urban centres is touched upon briefly. The dejected rural communities suffer this outmigration by their youthful population. The agricultural sector is hampered in terms of production yield due to lack of the needed labour force and mechanical farming equipment. All these factors account for the overall levels of poverty witnessed across these rural areas, increased crime rates in urban towns, filth accumulation, slums, child labour etc.