Narratives of internal migration experiences, health/well-being issues among females working as head-porters (Kayayei) in Ghana

Purpose This study aims to explore the internal migration experiences and health/well-being issues of 38 girls and women working as Kayayei (head-porters) in Accra, Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from seven focus group interview sessions, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings The results revealed the geographic, structural and family issues that promote increased migration of females to the cities. The findings betray the potential negative effects of migration on the participants’ quality of life, including accessing health services. They also suggest that the Kayayei phenomenon is a significant child protection, health/well-being concern yet to be given adequate attention in ways that consider the implications of such large internal migration of females on the overall human resource development capacities of rural communities. Originality/value This is an original study with data collected to explore internal rural to urban migration and its effect on health and well-being of young girls and women.