Between Burdens and Dreams: Reasons for Migration and Future Aspirations of Adolescent Female Head Porters in Accra's Agbogbloshie and Makola Markets

ABSTRACT

Migration among adolescent girls in Ghana, particularly adolescent female head porters locally known as Kayayei (singular: Kayayoo ), is well‐documented, yet the interplay between migration drivers and future aspirations remains underexplored. This study investigates why migrant girls engage in head porterage in Accra's Makola and Agbogbloshie markets and examines their aspirations within their migration experiences. Using secondary data from a mixed‐methods study grounded in structural violence theory, the analysis draws on quantitative surveys ( n  = 400), complemented by two focus group discussions ( n  = 24) and 20 key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics summarize socio‐demographic characteristics and migration reasons, while thematic analysis captures aspirations. Findings reveal that most adolescent female head porters migrate to support families (46.8%), start businesses (32.0%), or fund education/vocational training (14.5%). Smaller proportions seek to avoid early marriage (1.8%) or finance marriage (5.0%). Aspirations center on education, vocational skills, and entrepreneurship, reflecting migration as both a survival strategy and a pathway to self‐improvement. Poverty and structural inequalities drive migration, but agency and aspirations for autonomy shape their goals. Policies combining social protection, educational access, and culturally sensitive community engagement are essential to reduce vulnerabilities and support female head porters in achieving their aspirations.