Exploring the stressors and resources of Muslim child beggars in Dagbon of Northern Ghana in the context of child rights and existing realities

Abstract

Introduction: Though the Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC) states that children have a right to education and to be protected from exploitative child labour, child begging is a widespread phenomenon. Children who beg experience stressful conditions but they continue to beg. This article explores the stressors and resources of Muslim child beggars in Dagbon in Northern Ghana and the consequences of their involvement in begging. Methods: This qualitative study uses “Draw and Tell” as a research instrument to look into the working environment of these children by bringing into focus the negative experiences they encounter in begging and the resources that enable them to cope. Findings: Though the children encounter negative experiences such as insults and beatings, they are motivated by their social networks, catering for their educational needs and seeing begging as temporary and a means through which they help their families. Discussion: High levels of poverty in Northern Ghana may account for children’s engagement in begging but it affects them physically, psychologically and cognitively. This has implications on their educational achievement and future economic opportunities. The CRC emphasises the need for children’s education but some children in Ghana continue to beg at the expense of their education. Conclusion: Although the government of Ghana is a signatory to international child rights documents, and Ghana has a children’s Act (Act 560), child beggars in Dagbon do not have their right to education protected. Local realities mean that parents follow religious and cultural traditions rather than national legal frameworks.