Ghana and COVID-19: Perspectives on livelihoods, health and living conditions of internal migrants in Accra

Abstract

The prevalence of COVID-19 in cities worldwide has impacted diverse groups of people, with the effects being debilitating on those living in slums, older persons, persons with disabilities and migrant workers. In this paper, we examine the effects of the pandemic on internal migrant workers in Accra, Ghana’s migration hotspot and measures implemented by the government to help them cope with the pandemic. Findings showed that COVID-19 have devastating impacts on internal migrant workers. Many have lost their livelihoods and were forced to return to places of origin. Besides, their poor living conditions put them at risk of contracting and spreading the virus. The government of Ghana’s response to the pandemic through lockdowns and travel restrictions failed to address teething challenges facing internal migrants–lack of accommodation, congested rooms, erratic incomes, limited access to health facilities–that the pandemic brought to light. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that the government, should commit more resources targeted at improving the economic, health and living conditions of internal migrants. In the short term, a dedicated financial support system for internal migrants is crucial to help ameliorate the impact of COVID-19 on them.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• internal migrants
• livelihoods
• vulnerability
• impact
• living conditions