Ethnic Identity, Discrimination and the Shaping of Remittance Culture in Ghana

Joseph Kweku Assan

doi:10.26812/caste.v2i2.306

Abstract

This article examines birth-based structures and endogenous practices in the migration patterns of two ethnic groups in southern Ghana. The sampled ethnic groups for this study are the Akuapems from the Akan ethnic group located in the Akuapem North district and the Ada/Dangme’s from the Ga-Adangme ethnic group located in the Shai-Osudoku District and the Ningo-Prampram District (formally known as Dangme West District). The article discusses how ethnic identity influences remittance patterns and the utilization of sampled migrants’ home districts. Data from a questionnaire survey, interviews, and focus group meetings informed the study. The study results indicate a strong relationship between patterns, practices, and utilization of remittances and the respective norms and social values embedded within the migrants’ ethnic identity. The research also shows that migrants from ethnic groups with strong internal cohesion and less assimilation remit more than those from more ethnically heterogeneous groups. The study found that migrants from matrilineal ethnicity remit more than those of the patrilineal group. Ethnic values also shape the type of investments that internal migrants and their families may pursue. The research contributes to the debate on agency and endogenous development within birth-based structured societies. It also advances the discourse on birth-based identities, marginalization, and informal poverty reductions mechanisms and strategies.

Highlights

The intersection of birth-based structures, social vulnerability and inclusion, and livelihood options/opportunities of minority groups have gained importance in the development policy and social justice literature (Crossman, 2020; Contzen; and Müller-Böke, 2014)
There is a belief that the sending and subsequent utilization of remittances could be shaped by the birth-based identity [like caste or ethnicity] and socio-cultural values of senders and recipients’ families and communities (LópezAnuarbe et al, 2016)
This article has provided evidence to demonstrate the effect of migration and remittances as adaptations within peasant-based economies, which could vary with ethnicity and cohesion within structural socio-cultural groups

Summary

Introduction

The intersection of birth-based structures, social vulnerability and inclusion, and livelihood options/opportunities of minority groups have gained importance in the development policy and social justice literature (Crossman, 2020; Contzen; and Müller-Böke, 2014). This was attributed to traditions that require members of the matrilineal group to assist in the education and care of their siblings, nephews, and nieces This view is consistent with the observation by Middleton (1979) on social support practices amongst the Akuapems and Sanders (2003) view on the dependence on remittances by rural farm households in Africa. The study revealed that most households (60.5 percent) in Akuapem North receive monthly remittances compared to quarterly remittances (61.7 percent) in Shai-Osudoku and Ningo-Prampram districts (see Table 5) This is consistent with the matrilineal norms that require migrants to visit or remit their kin regularly to indicate their care and. This pattern is common in both ethnic groups, it is more prevalent amongst the Akuapems, given their matrilineal customs

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion