Remittances and social expenditures of migrant households in the Ekumfi District

Abstract

Several academic researchers in Ghana have heightened the importance of international remittances rather than the importance of internal remittances to migrant households (Kanu&Ozurumba, 2013; Quartey, 2006). This study therefore, examined remittances and social expenditures of migrant households in the Ekumfi District. The study employed a cross sectional and descriptive survey design using questionnaire and interview guide as the data collection instruments. A sample size of 377 respondents answered questionnaires while eight key informants were interviewed. Frequency tables, cross-tabulations and t-test statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that migrant households’ monthly income generated from primary occupations prior to the receipt of remittances was less than GH 100. Also, migrant households received more of cash remittances; usually less than GH 100 on quarterly basis through mobile money. Again, occupation of migrant, social ties and households’ welfare conditions influenced remittances flow to migrant households. Additionally, remittances served as an alternate source of income for migrant households in the Ekumfi District because it increased the expenditures of food, education and clothing by providing additional income to finance additional spending rather than the expenditures of health, social function, farming, trading and housing. Besides, the study recommends that the Ekumfi District Assembly should implements specific technical and vocational programmes to upgrade the semi-skilled and unskilled youths to streamline better job opportunities and reflect in increased remittances to migrant households during out-migration to urban centres.