In West Africa, studies on migration and livelihoods are mostly limited to internal migrants. This study analyzed the livelihood activities of itinerant West African migrant traders in the Accra Metropolitan Area, using mixed methods approach. The study which was guided by the framework for migration and itinerant migrant trade surveyed 779 itinerant immigrant traders and interviewed 12 key informants. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were the main analytical techniques used. The results showed that most of the immigrant traders were young, unmarried males with no formal education and their main trading activity was itinerant retailing of foot wears/leather belts/bags and herbal medicines. As regards their livelihood status, female immigrant traders and those who were younger (< 20 years) were less likely to have improved livelihood status. Moreover, while immigrant traders of food products were more likely to have a deteriorated livelihood status, those engaged in the sale of durable products (electronics and accessories) were most likely to achieve improved livelihood status. The study recommends that itinerant West African migrant traders should invest more of their resources in the sale of electronics and accessories as it has the highest potential of guaranteeing secured and improved livelihoods. Any form of business support aim at improving the livelihood status of itinerant immigrant traders should be focused on young and female itinerant traders and those engaged in the sale of food-related items because they were less likely to maintain improved livelihood status.

No abstract

This study explores the perspectives of relevant stakeholders on the engagement of West African migrants in retail trading businesses meant for indigenes under the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act. The study was conducted qualitatively on 13 participants in the Accra Metropolis (Which comprised immigrant key informants and institutional stakeholders) using semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis procedure was used to analyse the data and report the findings. The results showed that the immigrant interviewees were oblivious of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act and so considered their retail businesses as legitimate under the Economic Community of West African States protocol on establishment. They further justified the legitimacy of their trading activities with the conviction that other Ghanaians are engaged in similar businesses in their countries of origin. Nevertheless, participants from the institutions unanimously dispelled the views shared by the immigrant interviewees and argued that the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre law supersedes the Economic Community of West African States protocol. They bemoaned that the immigrants' retail activities are not only a threat to indigenous businesses and revenue mobilisation, but have the proclivity to engender regional conflicts. The policy and security implications of this paper are elucidated in the discussion and conclusion sections.

No abstract

No abstract