Stakeholders Opinions of Health-Related Conditions of Female Head Porters in Kumasi/Asokore Mampong

Abstract

Young females usually migrate from the Northern part of Ghana to the South to engage in head porting business. However, the high cost of rent in urban areas and the poor environmental conditions of poor urbanites have exposed head porters to bad conditions with varying implications on health and well-being. This study examines the health-related conditions of female head porters in Kumasi through stakeholders’ opinions. The study used quantitative methods in eliciting information from female head-porters in Asokore Mampong, Kumasi. In all, 100 respondents; comprising relatives of female head porters and other opinion leaders such as the Assembly member, Imam, Pastor, Teachers from Northern Ghana, were interviewed through self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) and excel. Economic reasons remain topical for the migration of females from the north to the south to engage in head porting. While many of these migrants do not return home, leading to the emergence of migrant settlements in Kumasi, others return to support their families with their earnings. Stakeholders argued that skills development and creating of entrepreneurial ventures are necessary to reduce the north-south migratory patterns. The migration of females from the north to the south in search of greener pastures is likely to continue as a result of opportunity gaps. However, worsening conditions of living may deteriorate the health conditions of some of the migrants. Stakeholders recommend a new wave of solutions with focus on skills development, job creation, and entrepreneurial training as solutions.