Editorial: Addressing the Kayayo problem is a must!

Ali Adolf John, the Minister-Designate for the Northern Region, has pledged his commitment to addressing the persistent Kayayo phenomenon, which has seen many young women from northern Ghana migrating to urban areas in search of menial jobs as head porters.

Speaking during his vetting on Thursday, January 23, 2025 Mr Adolf assured the Appointments Committee and the public that finding a lasting solution to this issue would be a top priority should he be approved.

The nominee outlined his strategy to collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the Northern Region to tackle the root causes of the Kayayo menace.

Recognising that the problem stems from limited economic opportunities in the north, Mr. Adolf stressed the importance of creating a more attractive and sustainable environment for residents to discourage mass migration to cities like Accra and Kumasi.

The minister-designate emphasised the need for skill development and employment generation as key components of his plan. He highlighted the introduction of apprenticeship and vocational training programmes designed to equip the youth, particularly young women, with skills that could provide them with sustainable livelihoods within their home communities.

According to Mr Adolf, these programmes would include initiatives in tailoring, hairdressing, farming and other income-generating ventures tailored to meet the needs of the local economy.

“The Kayayo menace is a problem that did not start today and the best I can do is to make the home a very attractive place so that we don’t have people migrating from the south”, he said. The Kayayo phenomenon has long been a glaring social and economic challenge. It is a painful manifestation of inequality, stemming from the persistent development gap between the country’s northern and southern regions. For decades, this issue has remained a blot on our collective conscience, limited economic opportunities and the neglect of vulnerable populations.

The Kayayo phenomenon is not merely about young women carrying heavy loads on their heads in bustling markets in Accra, Kumasi, and other cities. It is a symptom of deeper systemic issues, including poverty, limited access to quality education and a lack of economic opportunities in northern Ghana. Many young women migrate southward with the hope of earning a livelihood, only to be met with exploitation, abuse and deplorable living conditions.

This cycle of migration perpetuates vulnerability, with many Kayayei facing health risks, homelessness, and societal stigmatisation. The loss of human potential and the social costs to their families and communities are immeasurable.

Against this backdrop, the commitment by the Minister-Designate for the Northern Region to tackle this issue is a refreshing and commendable development. His outlined strategy, which emphasises economic empowerment and skill development, resonates as a thoughtful and practical approach to addressing the root causes of this issue.

Mr. Adolf’s approach to addressing the Kayayo issue by focusing on economic empowerment is not only commendable but also necessary. His plan to collaborate with MMDCEs to address the economic disparities fueling this migration is well-conceived.

Training young women in tailoring, hairdressing, farming and other trades has the potential to create sustainable livelihoods, enabling them to contribute to their local economies. Moreover, distributing resources and materials to support these initiatives demonstrates a commitment to providing the tools needed for success.

While Mr. Adolf’s pledge is commendable, it is important to acknowledge that similar promises have been made in the past, often with limited follow-through. For his vision to succeed, he must not only secure the necessary funding but also ensure that these initiatives are implemented transparently and equitably.

Moreover, addressing the Kayayo menace requires a holistic approach. Efforts to empower young women must be complemented by investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure in the northern region. Without addressing the systemic challenges that drive migration, piecemeal solutions will fall short.

As Mr. Adolf takes on this important task, it is our hope that he will remain steadfast in his commitment and work tirelessly to deliver on his promises. The Kayayo menace is a longstanding issue and addressing it will require more than rhetoric; it demands sustained action, accountability and a deep understanding of the complexities involved.

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