Young, Alone and Struggling to Grow - Experiences among Independent Child Migrants at the Urban Destination of Kumasi, Ghana

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the individual and gendered experiences among young girls and boys who have migrated independently to the city of Kumasi in Ghana in search of work and better life opportunities. The research questions relate to their experiences of opportunities and constraints at destination; self-protection strategies that they employ to minimize negative effects of vulnerabilities and risks; and about their social navigation of youth transitions from dependence and childhood towards independence and adulthood. The study employed a case study design including the specific methods of individual interviews with eight girls and six boys, complemented by interviews with key informants, one focus group discussion with girl migrants and literature review. Findings include insights into gender differences in relation to all research questions, as well as emerging patterns. Migration may represent a survival strategy motivated by self-protection, but it may also be a way of realizing future aspirations regarding marriage, education, professional skills, and contributing to the family’s overall wellbeing