Pushed and pulled onto the streets: Perspectives of street children in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that work with street children in Ghana have been relevant as they complement the limited services provided by the government. Notwithstanding the efforts made by NGOs to address this social phenomenon, some of their beneficiaries maintain their presence on the streets. This study therefore explored the reasons why some street children keep going back to the streets despite the resources and time spent on their behalf by NGOs. Utilizing the qualitative research design, forty participants, comprising of thirty street children and ten staff of two NGOs in Accra were purposively selected for this study. In-depth interviews and focus groups discussions were used to gather data that were analyzed thematically. The study found that the children decided to resort to street life for survival due to various factors, including inadequate family support, abuse, family breakdown, and peer pressure. The findings also indicated that NGOs provided services, such as vocational training, shelter, as well as other necessities, such as food to street children. Nonetheless, some of their beneficiaries remained on the streets due to issues, such as inadequate organizational support, peer influence, and limited freedom at the premises of the NGOs. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made for policy and practice.