Understanding Political Participation From the Margins: The Perspectives of Migrant Slum Dwellers in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

Abstract

This paper explores politics and political participation from the voices and perspectives of migrant slum dwellers in Agbogbloshie, the most populous migrant slum in Accra. Using in-depth interviews, the paper found that residents’ conception of politics is couched in a pejorative sense as they view politics as a “dirty and deceitful game.” While most migrants see politics as contested elections in which political elites struggle for power, they participate in politics mainly by voting in periodic elections. The main driver of migrants’ political participation is the need to vote for political parties and governments that protect them against forced eviction.