Trapped in Accra: Study sheds light on harsh realities facing Kayayei
A new study has shed light on the grim experiences of young girls who migrate from northern Ghana to Accra in search of better opportunities, revealing widespread exploitation and poor living conditions among female head porters, known as Kayayei.
The findings were presented at an event in Accra on Thursday, dubbed Dunk It Up (DIU).
Following this, child rights advocates and development partners have called for urgent government intervention to protect the girls and address the root causes of their migration.
The year-long study, carried out by Dunk Grassroots in partnership with 100% for Children, a Danish-based organisation, and RIP Ghana, they examined the socio-economic and health challenges confronting young migrant girls.
Lead consultant and Head of Programmes at Dunk Grassroots, Stella Ekallam Larbi, said many girls migrate with hopes of earning money to return to school, but end up trapped in cycles of poverty and exploitation.
“Some of the girls came to Accra with dreams of saving for their education, but the reality is harsh — many end up struggling to survive under inhumane conditions,” Ms Larbi told the Graphic Online.
She explained that while existing reports had touched on the Kayayei phenomenon, the new research provides fresh, first-hand data critical to shaping national policy and interventions.
Exploitation and control
The study uncovered a disturbing network of “gatekeepers” — individuals and groups who control access to the Kayayei for money or personal benefit.
“You can’t just approach these girls freely. There’s often a process — and sometimes money — involved before you can talk to them. It’s a form of exploitation that limits their freedom,” Ms Larbi said.
She described the system as “unhealthy and dangerous”, warning that it perpetuates vulnerability and denies the girls the chance to share their experiences or seek help.
Call for collective action
In response, Dunk Grassroots and its partners are forming a consortium of street-connected organisations to coordinate efforts, share data, and develop holistic interventions.
“At Dunk, we use sports to engage young people, while others focus on reintegration and education. Our goal is to combine our strengths and create a unified network to tackle the issue,” Ms Larbi said.
The group has received support from the Mayor of Accra and is urging continued government collaboration to reintegrate girls who wish to return home.
Government’s role
Ms Larbi called on government to strengthen existing child protection systems and create livelihood opportunities in northern Ghana to reduce the flow of young migrants to the capital.
“Government can help by expanding vocational training, improving access to education, and supporting families with small loans or grants. These steps will reduce the economic pressure that drives migration,” she said.
She also appealed to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to ensure the Kayayei have access to healthcare, noting that many of them carry expired NHIS cards and are unable to renew them.
“Health is a major concern. Some of these girls are young mothers already caring for children. We need to take healthcare to them — not wait for them to come to us,” she added.
The bigger picture
The study forms part of a wider initiative to build reliable data on street-connected children and influence policy at the national level.
“We now have the evidence. What we need is collaboration — bringing organisations together to act on the data,” Ms Larbi said. “These girls have dreams and potential; they just need fair opportunities.”
Stakeholders at the conference echoed her call, stressing that tackling exploitation among migrant girls is vital to achieving inclusive development and closing Ghana’s inequality gap.
