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Choosing to Stay: Alternate Migration Decisions of Ghanaian Youth

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  • Mary Setrana

    (Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana, Ghana)

Abstract

This article focuses on nationals from Ghana who have lost interest in pursuing migration dreams to Europe and North America after failed attempts to migrate. Many less experienced youths who attempt to migrate to Europe and North America face challenges such as strict immigration laws, high cost of financing migration plans, or illegal recruiters. Some risk their lives through dangerous routes to achieve their migration goals. The negative consequences recorded are numerous, including death en route to Europe and North America. Using life stories, this article lets failed migrants recount the frustration, wasted resources and years spent to fulfil their migration dreams. It discusses individual factors such as experiences that affect the decision not to pursue migration dreams despite the culture of migration in their communities. The article concludes that strict immigration policies in Europe and North America have restricted international migration among less experienced and less skilled youth in Ghana, leading to personal decisions not to migrate but adjust to the conditions at home, and later describing their stay as a preferred decision.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary Setrana, 2021. "Choosing to Stay: Alternate Migration Decisions of Ghanaian Youth," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(1), pages 247-256.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:socinc:v:9:y:2021:i:1:p:247-256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mary Boatemaa Setrana & Steve Tonah, 2016. "Do Transnational Links Matter after Return? Labour Market Participation among Ghanaian Return Migrants," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(4), pages 549-560, April.
    2. Lyon, Fergus, 2000. "Trust, Networks and Norms: The Creation of Social Capital in Agricultural Economies in Ghana," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 663-681, April.
    3. Massey, Douglas S. & Arango, Joaquin & Hugo, Graeme & Kouaouci, Ali & Pellegrino, Adela & Taylor, J. Edward, 1999. "Worlds in Motion: Understanding International Migration at the End of the Millennium," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198294429, Decembrie.
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