Migrating out of Poverty? Evidence from Informal Settlements in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Despite negative policy stances toward rural-urban migration and urban slums in Ghana, recent research carried out by a research team at the Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana, shows that slums are sites of vibrant economic activity, providing opportunities for migrants not available in their communities of origin. Indeed, the vast majority of internal and regional migrants (88 per cent) felt their overall household wellbeing had improved as a result of their migration, and many were able to contribute to the livelihoods of families and kin in areas of origin, with over three-quarters of migrants sending remittances. However, migrant livelihoods were threatened by unsafe living conditions in slums and a lack of basic services. The research therefore calls for four policy recommendations: upgrading informal settlements; support for informal sector workers; facilitating remittances and savings; and including vulnerable migrants in social protection schemes.