The Dynamics of Head Porters (kayayei) in Accra and (paa oo paa) in Kumasi: A Generational Challenge

Introduction

The phenomenon of head porters, commonly known as “kayayei,” in Accra and “paa oo paa” in Kumasi, has become a deeply ingrained and troubling issue in Accra and Kumasi, the two largest cities in Ghana.

For many young women from certain parts of Northern Ghana, particularly Walewale in the North East Region, the journey southward to engage in this menial labour has become almost a rite of passage—a generational challenge that traps them in a cycle of poverty and exploitation.

The phenomenon of head pottering has become a pervasive challenge in Ghana, particularly in the bustling urban centers of Accra and Kumasi. Originating predominantly from the Northern regions of the country where economic opportunities are scarce, young women and girls migrate to these cities in search of livelihood. What they often encounter, however, is a harsh reality that places them at the bottom of the social and economic ladder.

Head pottering is not just a laborious task but a symbol of deep-seated socio-economic disparities. These women, often burdened with carrying heavy loads for meagre wages, live on the margins of society, exposed to exploitation, victimisation, and extreme weather conditions. The practice has, over time, taken on a generational dimension, with young girls following in the footsteps of their mothers and grandmothers, trapped in a cycle of poverty and low prospects.

The irony is stark: while the government and various NGOs have initiated measures such as building shelters in the cities to provide temporary relief, these efforts have often overlooked the root causes of the problem. Instead of offering sustainable solutions, these well-intended initiatives inadvertently encourage more rural-urban migration, perpetuating the very issues they aim to resolve.

The fact that these kayayei predominantly come from areas around Walewale, the home area of Ghana’s current Vice President, adds another layer of complexity and irony to the situation. It raises questions about leadership and the adequacy of the responses to this entrenched social issue.

To address the menace of head pottering, it is crucial to move beyond surface-level interventions and explore long-term strategies that focus on creating economic opportunities in the regions these women come from. Only then can we begin to dismantle the systemic inequalities that drive this migration and create a future where young women are not forced into the streets of Accra and Kumasi in search of a better life.

 Origins and Development

The practice of head portering, known locally as “kayayei” (plural of “kayayoo”), has deep historical roots in Ghana, particularly tied to the socio-economic disparities between the northern and southern regions of the country. The term “kayayoo” is derived from two words: “kaya,” meaning load or goods in the Hausa language, and “yoo,” meaning woman or girl in Ga, a local language spoken in Accra.

Pre-Colonial and Colonial Era: 

The origins of kayayei can be traced back to pre-colonial times when trade routes between the north and south were established. Northern Ghana was primarily rural and agrarian, with limited economic opportunities, while the southern regions, especially around Accra and Kumasi, became more urbanised and economically vibrant due to colonial development policies. As a result, there was a gradual movement of people from the north to the south in search of better economic opportunities.

Post-Colonial Period:

After Ghana gained independence in 1957, the disparities between the north and south persisted, and urbanisation intensified. The lack of economic development in the northern regions, coupled with limited access to education and social services, drove many young industrious minded women to migrate to urban centers like Accra and Kumasi. These women often took up menial jobs, such as head portering, to support themselves and their families back home.

The Generational Challenge of Kayayei:

In regions like North East, where economic opportunities are limited and educational attainment is often low, the allure of moving to the city to work as a kayayoo is strong. This migration is driven by a lack of viable alternatives and the hope for a better life, but the reality is far grimmer. Young women, often in their teens, find themselves in unfamiliar urban environments, burdened with heavy loads and earning barely enough to survive. This generational cycle continues as daughters follow in the footsteps of their mothers, perpetuating a system that offers little hope for upward mobility.

The Irony of Shelters: Encouraging Rural-Urban Migration?

In response to the plight of kayayei, there have been efforts by the government and non-governmental organisations to build shelters for them in cities like Accra. While well-intentioned, these shelters may unintentionally encourage more young women to leave their rural homes in search of work as head porters. The provision of shelters, while offering temporary relief, does not address the root causes of the problem—lack of economic opportunities in their home regions. Instead, it might exacerbate rural-urban migration, as more young women may see the existence of these shelters as a safety net that makes the risks of migrating to the city more acceptable.

The Slavery Connotation and Social Vices

The work of a kayayei is grueling, dangerous, and often dehumanising. These women are modern-day “hewers of wood and drawers of water,” a reference that evokes the historical exploitation of marginalised groups. The kayayei are exposed to various social vices, including rape, assault, and robbery. Their vulnerability is compounded by their living conditions—often sleeping in open spaces or overcrowded shelters, exposed to the elements, and with little protection from the rain and cold. The physical and emotional toll of this work is immense, and the lack of social support systems only deepens their plight.

Recent Developments:

In recent decades, the phenomenon of kayayei has grown significantly due to various factors, including climate change, which has made farming in the north more challenging, and the continuous lack of economic opportunities in rural areas. The influx of kayayei into cities has become a visible aspect of urban life in Ghana, with these young women forming a crucial part of the informal economy.

Some Challenges Faced by Kayayei

The life of a kayayoo is fraught with numerous challenges, which can be broadly categorised into economic, social, health, and security issues:

1.Economic Challenges

• Poverty:  Many kayayei come from impoverished backgrounds and engage in head portering as a last resort to escape extreme poverty. However, the earnings from this work are minimal, often insufficient to cover basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. Despite their hard work, many remain trapped in a cycle of poverty.

• Lack of Financial Security:

Most kayayei lack access to formal financial services such as savings accounts or credit facilities. They rely on daily earnings to survive, which leaves them vulnerable to economic shocks. The lack of financial security also means they have no safety net for emergencies or future investments.

2. Social Challenges

• Discrimination and Stigmatisation:

Kayayei are often stigmatised and discriminated against by society. They are perceived as uneducated and inferior, leading to social exclusion. This discrimination is exacerbated by their ethnic and regional background, as most kayayei come from the northern regions, which are often looked down upon by those from the south.

• Lack of Education:

Many kayayei are young girls who have had little or no formal education. The FCUBE and Free Senior High School education only makes these girls semi educated without vocational and self-employment skills. This lack or limited education limits their opportunities for upward mobility and keeps them confined to low-paying, menial jobs opportunities. It also perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty, as they are unable to access better employment opportunities.

• Family Separation:

Kayayei often leave their families behind in the north, leading to prolonged separation from their children and spouses. This separation can strain family relationships and negatively impact the emotional well-being of both the kayayei and their families. These are generally teenagers often leaving their families and literally staying on the streets to fern for themselves in a deplorable and sometimes despicable ways.

3. Health Challenges

• Physical Strain:

Carrying heavy loads on their heads for long hours takes a toll on the physical health of kayayei. Many suffer from chronic pain, particularly in the neck, back, and shoulders. The work is physically demanding and can lead to long-term musculoskeletal issues.

• Lack of Access to Healthcare:

Kayayei often lack access to basic healthcare services due to their low income and lack of knowledge about available services. This situation is worsened by their transient nature, which makes it difficult for them to access consistent medical care.

• Exposure to Harsh Environmental Conditions:

Most kayayei sleep on the streets or in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. They are exposed to harsh weather conditions, including rain and extreme heat, which can lead to health problems such as respiratory infections and skin diseases.

4. Security Challenges

• Victimisation and Exploitation:

Kayayei are highly vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, including sexual harassment, rape, and human trafficking.         Their marginalised status makes it difficult for them to seek justice, and many are forced to endure abuse in silence.

• Legal Protection:

As part of the informal economy, kayayei lack legal protections and are often at the mercy of unscrupulous ‘employers’ or customers. They have little recourse in the face of abuse or exploitation, as they are often unaware of their rights or fear retribution if they speak out

• Crime and Violence:

Living on the streets exposes kayayei to the risk of violence and crime. They are often targeted by criminals due to their vulnerable position, and many have been victims of theft, assault, and other violent crimes.

  The Irony of Political Leadership

One of the most glaring ironies of the kayayei issue is that the Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, hails from the very region where many of these young women originate—the North East Region. Despite his influential position, the solutions offered by the government have been largely superficial, focusing on shelter construction rather than addressing the systemic issues that drive these women into such a demeaning profession. The continued existence of the kayayei phenomenon underlines the failure to create sustainable economic opportunities in the northern regions of Ghana, leaving the young women from these areas trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation.

 The Way Forward: Beyond Shelter Building 

Addressing the challenges faced by kayayei requires a holistic approach that goes beyond temporary solutions and training programmes. In creating a new future for these young women, it is essential to move beyond the mere construction of shelters and focus on long-term, sustainable solutions. These includes but not limited to:

• Economic Empowerment: Investing in the local economies of northern regions like areas around Walewale to create jobs, support entrepreneurship, and provide skills training that can help women find meaningful work within their communities. Economic Development in the North should be an intentional well thought through action by a strategic thinking government. To reduce the migration of young women to urban centers, there must be significant investment in the economic development of northern Ghana. This includes improving agricultural productivity, creating jobs, and providing access to education and healthcare.

• Education Awareness, and Empowerment:

Efforts should be made to ensure that girls in the north receive quality education, which would enable them to pursue better opportunities. Empowerment programmes that build the confidence and skills of young women are also essential. Enhancing educational opportunities for girls in these regions and raising awareness about the dangers and challenges of migrating to urban centers for work as kayayei.

• Social Protection and Legal Reforms:

Kayayei need better legal protection and access to social services. This includes extending social protection programmes to cover informal workers, providing access to healthcare, and ensuring that kayayei are aware of their rights and can seek justice when abused that is legal assistance for victims of violence and exploitation.

• Policy Intervention: Implementing policies that discourage rural-urban migration by making rural areas more attractive for living and working, such as improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

• Cultural Shift: Addressing the cultural perceptions that limit the aspirations of young women from these regions, empowering them to envision a future beyond the traditional roles they are often confined to.

• Government and NGO Interventions

Over the years, both the government of Ghana and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have attempted to address the challenges faced by kayayei. However, these efforts have had limited success due to the complex and multifaceted nature of the problem.

• Government Shelters and Training Programmes:

The government has established shelters for kayayei in some cities, providing them with a place to sleep and access to basic amenities. Additionally, there have been vocational training programmes aimed at equipping kayayei with skills that could enable them to transition into other forms of employment. However, these initiatives have often been underfunded and poorly coordinated, leading to limited impact.

• NGO Support:

Various NGOs have stepped in to support kayayei, providing services such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. Some organisations also work to raise awareness about the plight of kayayei and advocate for better policies to protect their rights. Despite these efforts, the scale of the problem remains overwhelming, and many kayayei continue to suffer from neglect and exploitation.

• Addressing Rural-Urban Migration:

The root causes of rural-urban migration must be addressed, including poverty, lack of opportunities, and environmental challenges. Policies that promote sustainable development in rural areas can help reduce the pressure on urban centres and provide better living conditions for those in the north.

  NPP Manifesto:

The NPP’s 2024 manifesto, launched recently, outlines various initiatives aimed at addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges in Ghana. However, it does not specifically mention or address the challenges faced by kayayei (head porters), a pressing issue affecting many young women from Northern Ghana, including the Walewale area where the presidential candidate proudly hails from. The manifesto focuses on broader themes such as economic transformation, job creation, and digitalisation, but it lacks targeted measures for improving the conditions of kayayei or addressing the root causes that drive them to urban areas for menial jobs. The NDC is yet to launch their Manifesto in a few days.

Why Should We all Care?

The kayayei (head porter) syndrome, where young women mostly from northern Ghana migrate to urban centers like Accra and Kumasi to work as porters, has broad implications for the entire country.

These are ways it can impact Ghana at large:

1. Economic Impact

Increased Urban Poverty: The influx of kayayei to urban areas contributes to the growing population of the urban poor. This creates additional pressure on already strained urban infrastructure, including housing, sanitation, and health services.

Informal Economy Strain: Kayayei often work in the informal sector, which is typically characterised by low wages and lack of social protections. This can exacerbate economic inequalities and perpetuate cycles of poverty.

Reduced Agricultural Productivity: The migration of young women from rural areas can lead to a decline in agricultural productivity in those regions, as these women are often vital to farming and other rural economic activities.

2. Social Impact

Rural-Urban Migration: The kayayei phenomenon exacerbates rural-urban migration, which can lead to depopulation in rural areas. This demographic shift can weaken community structures and traditional ways of life.

Education and Skill Loss: Young girls who migrate to become kayayei often miss out on education, leading to a loss of potential human capital. This lack of education and skills limits their future opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Social Vices: The harsh conditions in urban areas expose kayayei to various social vices, including exploitation, abuse, and criminal activities. This can contribute to rising crime rates and social instability in urban areas.

3. Health Impact

Inadequate Access to Healthcare: Kayayei often have limited access to healthcare, which increases their vulnerability to diseases and poor health outcomes. This burden on public health services can strain the healthcare system, especially in urban centers. Contagious diseases can spread across easily following the aforementioned reasons.

Mental Health Issues: The stress and trauma associated with the harsh living and working conditions can lead to mental health issues among kayayei, which often go unaddressed due to the lack of mental health services available to them.

4. Cultural Impact

Erosion of Cultural Identity: As young women leave their rural communities, there is a potential loss of cultural traditions and practices. This can lead to a weakening of cultural identity, both in the urban centers where they relocate and in the rural areas they leave behind.

Inter-Regional Tensions: The kayayei issue can exacerbate inter-regional tensions, particularly if it is seen as a symptom of broader regional inequalities. The lack of development in the northern regions compared to the south can fuel resentment and social divisions.

5. Political Impact

Policy Challenges: The kayayei syndrome highlights the need for effective policies addressing rural development, education, and job creation. The government’s inability to address these issues could lead to political unrest and loss of public confidence.

National Unity: The persistent regional disparities and the resulting kayayei phenomenon can undermine national unity, fostering feelings of neglect and marginalisation among people from the northern regions.

6. Long-Term National Development

Stunted Human Capital Development: The loss of young, capable women from rural areas can have long-term effects on national development. Their absence from educational and economic opportunities limits the overall potential for human capital development in the country.

Sustainability Challenges: The strain on urban centers due to the kayayei influx creates sustainability challenges, making it difficult for cities to maintain livable conditions, which in turn could hamper Ghana’s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.

Conclusion

The issue of kayayei in Accra and Kumasi is a stark reminder of the deep inequalities that persist in Ghana, particularly between the northern and southern regions. It is a generational challenge that requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.

While building shelters may offer temporary relief, the real solution lies in creating opportunities that allow these young women to thrive in their own communities, free from the burden of carrying loads on their heads in the streets of faraway cities.

The Kayayei syndrome in Ghana is a complex and deeply entrenched one, reflecting broader socio-economic inequalities in the country. While efforts have been made to address the challenges faced by these young women, more needs to be done to create lasting change. A multidimensional approach that includes economic development, education, legal protection, and social empowerment is essential to improving the lives of current kayayei and ensuring that future generations of young women do not have to endure the same hardships for this perilous occupation.