Migration and Tribal Identity among the Frafras of Ghana

Abstract

Discussion focuses on the impact of increased labor migration away from the traditional homeland on 1 of Ghanas many tribes the Frafras followed by an analysis of the ways in which tribal identity has continued to have meaning for the members of the migrant community of Frafras in Accra. Currently in contrast with the prewar situation experience of urban conditions and migration are no longer synonymous for Frafras. The nature of their homeland has been transformed by the emergence of a booming entrepot and administrative center in Bolgatanga. It is no longer necessary to travel hundreds of miles to the nearest major town. Lorries and traders link Bolgatanga with all parts of the district -- educational social welfare and missionary services have spread to most corners. The overall rate of migration also has undergone radical changes. Overpopulation has long been a problem in North East Ghana one which has increasingly affected the Frafra district with the passage of time. Census figures present a clear picture of the increased rate of migration among Frafras in recent years. In 1948 less than 5% of the total Frafra tribe (8201 out of 175000) was recorded away from home but in Davisons survey of northbound travelers at Yeji in March 1954 Frafras far outnumbered any other group with 2501 or 34% of all those originating from the Northern Territories (Davison 1954). The population of the Frafra local council area in 1960 showed a change since 1948 of minus 8.2%; 42000 of 187000 Frafras were recorded as abroad. The age structure and sex ratios of the home area pointed out the disproportionate incidence of migration among Frafra males in the 20-45 age group. Until the period following independence in 1957 Accra was not a major source of employment but in the last decade the capital has become more and more the target for a horde of migrants seeking work. Frafras have recently settled in large numbers in Accra and the tribal community there is probably the biggest single aggregate of Frafras in the country outside their homeland. Frafras today do not become urbanized or westernized by the mere act of migrating to an urban setting. The institutional environment of the city differs from their homeland yet most migrants do not shake off the beliefs of their upbringing. This is a significant agent of continuity in alien surroundings. The sanctions operating on migrants to maintain close ties with their kin and with other Frafras in the migrant community can be grouped under 4 headings representing a combination of the reasons given by the migrants themselves and obervation: the system of marriage and bridewealth is a powerful institutional force binding migrants to home kin; most migrants stress the importance of being given the appropriate mortuary and funeral rites in order to attain full ancestor status in the afterlife; economic insecurity is a prominent feature of migrant life; and tribal associations make intratribal relations a form of social insurance.