North-South migration in Ghana. Social networks and possibilities for mobility of young returnees and non-migrants in the Northern Region

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2017-10-03
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en
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This study regards north-south migration in Ghana with a focus put on social networks and possibilities for mobility of young returnees and non-migrants in the Northern Region. Hereby, qualitative data was used, retrieved from young non-migrants and returnees in the rural parts of the Northern Region in Ghana. This study shows that education is a key factor in the decision-making process of young Ghanaians to stay or to leave their home region. Other influencing factors are the lack of working possibilities, the aspiration to buy goods, knowing people in the city and supporting their parents. Further, it is argued that social networks of young Ghanaians in the Northern Region defer, depending on their gender and migration status. In addition, it is shown that social networks play a major role in mobility opportunities of young Ghanaians. Social networks impact mobility in form of financial and social support, feeling of solidarity, permissions or restrictions and contacts in the city. This influences can have enhancing and restricting influences on a person's mobility. However, mobility possibilities can also create opportunities, in which an individual can get to know new people and hence, expand his or her social network.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen