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Exploring the Migration Intentions of Ghanaian Youth: A Qualitative Study

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  • Mavis Dako-Gyeke

    (University of Ghana)

Abstract

Migration is a multidimensional phenomenon with both positive and negative effects. However, the extent to which migration positively or adversely affects the life opportunities of people, especially the youth abroad, is partly influenced by the aspirations and expectations of the migrants prior to embarking on their journeys. Drawing on macro-, meso-, and micro- level migration theories, this qualitative study explored the intentions for out-migration among final-year university students in Ghana. Thirty-four students (16 males and 18 females) were purposively recruited as participants for the study. Each person participated in one of four digitally recorded focus group discussions. The data was analyzed to identify emerging themes that addressed the objectives of the study. Participants were final-year undergraduate and graduate university students, and their ages ranged between 22 and 34 years. Analysis of the data revealed that participants were eager and determined to leave Ghana, in order to seek better lives abroad. Improved standard of living, employment opportunities, and the prospects for further education featured prominently in participants’ discourses about intended migration. Additionally, the findings indicated that participants’ intentions to migrate were based on comparison between constraints in Ghana and opportunities abroad. The findings of the study draw attention to the need for research and policies that consider the aspirations, interests, and voices of youth who desire to migrate abroad.

Suggested Citation

  • Mavis Dako-Gyeke, 2016. "Exploring the Migration Intentions of Ghanaian Youth: A Qualitative Study," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 723-744, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:17:y:2016:i:3:d:10.1007_s12134-015-0435-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-015-0435-z
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    Cited by:

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    2. Kassahun Habtamu & Abebaw Minaye & Fantahun Admas & Messay Gebremariam Kotecho & Abera Tibebu & Yohannese Adigeh & Seleshi Zeleke, 2021. "Exploring Potential Intervention Strategies to Reduce Unsafe Youth Migration in Ethiopia: a Mixed Methods Study," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1285-1312, December.
    3. Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu Kyei, 2021. "“I Have to Further My Studies Abroad”: Student Migration in Ghana," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(1), pages 299-307.
    4. Charles Temitope Adeyanju & Olabimpe Ajoke Olatunji, 2022. "Migration of Nigerians to Canada for Higher Education: Student Visa as a Pathway to Permanent Residence," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 105-124, March.
    5. Mohammed A. M. Usman & Huseyin Ozdeser & Behiye Çavuşoğlu & Umar Shuaibu Aliyu, 2022. "On the Sustainable Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Do Remittances, Human Capital Flight, and Brain Drain Matter?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-20, February.

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