Displaced in Ghana: New Study Highlights Economic Struggles, Gender Risks and Security Concerns

Forced displacement in Ghana is worsening, with thousands facing economic hardship, security concerns, and gender-based violence, according to a new study by the IDRC Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Anglophone West Africa. 

Led by Professor Mary B. Setrana and her team at the University of Ghana’s Centre for Migration Studies, the research reveals a complex reality where displaced people struggle to rebuild their lives while confronting major obstacles.

The study, which surveyed 493 displaced persons, found that internally displaced persons (IDPs) make up the majority at 50.71%, with most of them being Ghanaians. Refugees from Liberia, Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Togo account for the rest. 

Many have experienced multiple displacements, some as many as five times. Language plays a key role in how they integrate into new environments, with most refugees relying on English, while IDPs predominantly speak Twi, Fante, or Ga. The findings point to a diverse and culturally complex displaced population navigating life in Ghana.

The reasons behind displacement vary significantly. While refugees overwhelmingly cite conflict and violence as the main drivers, IDPs point to economic hardship and unemployment. Smaller numbers have been forced to move due to fear of persecution, military attacks, or environmental disasters. 

The study suggests that while conflict is the leading cause of displacement across borders, within Ghana, economic factors play an even greater role in uprooting lives.

Surviving in a new community is not easy, and the research highlights major struggles with economic integration. Nearly half of IDPs rely on self-employment, compared to only 8% of refugees. Unemployment among refugees is strikingly high, with 54% jobless, while IDPs appear to have better access to work, with just 14% unemployed. 

For many, support from family and friends is the only lifeline, particularly for refugees, 30% of whom rely on such assistance. International organizations and religious groups provide some help, but for 13% of those surveyed, there is no source of income at all.

The ability to send or receive money from home is often a measure of financial stability, but for displaced people in Ghana, remittances are limited. While 55% of IDPs manage to send money to family members, only 9% of refugees can do the same. 

The situation is just as bleak when it comes to receiving financial support 77% of IDPs and 83% of refugees say they receive nothing from their home countries or communities. The study suggests that economic isolation is a defining characteristic of displacement, with little financial assistance coming from either their origins or host communities.

Security concerns also weigh heavily on displaced populations. While more than half of refugees report feeling "very safe" in Ghana, only a quarter of IDPs share that sentiment. Instead, 62% of IDPs describe themselves as feeling only "somewhat safe," revealing an underlying uncertainty about their long-term stability. The findings suggest that while some displaced people have found a sense of security in Ghana, others remain vulnerable, particularly those who have been uprooted from within the country.

Gender-based violence emerges as one of the most pressing concerns in the study. Young females are overwhelmingly seen as the most vulnerable group, with 48% of respondents identifying them as at risk. Another 13% say adult women face significant threats, particularly in refugee communities. 

The research reveals that 10% of displaced persons have experienced gender-based violence since being uprooted, with refugees (15%) more affected than IDPs (5%). However, support services remain critically lacking, with just 11% of those surveyed having accessed or known someone who has accessed gender-based violence assistance. The researchers warn that the true numbers may be even higher, as stigma and lack of awareness often prevent survivors from speaking out.

Access to education and economic opportunities remains another major challenge. When asked to rate their ability to access education, most respondents gave a middling response, but 16% of refugee girls and 5% of IDP boys reported having almost no access at all. The findings suggest that cultural and financial barriers continue to restrict the educational opportunities available to displaced youth, limiting their future prospects and deepening cycles of poverty.

Despite these challenges, the study finds that women and youth are playing an increasing role in community development. Over half of respondents say women's involvement in addressing displacement is on the rise, with many contributing to economic activities and decision-making. Youth participation is also growing, with 60% of respondents saying they have taken on more active roles in their communities.

 However, barriers to accessing productive resources remain, particularly for women, with 41% saying there has been no improvement in their ability to secure land, credit, or other economic assets. The researchers argue that while progress is being made, without targeted policies to support displaced women, their contributions may not translate into long-term empowerment.

The question of whether displaced people wish to return to their original communities reveals a strong preference for staying. Among refugees, 81% say they do not intend to return, while 78% of IDPs share the same view. 

Just 21% of those surveyed say they would consider going back, suggesting that for most, integration into host communities is a more realistic goal than repatriation. The research underscores the need for long-term solutions that prioritize economic stability, security, and social inclusion, rather than focusing solely on return policies.

Professor Setrana and her team emphasize that forced displacement in Ghana is not a temporary crisis but an ongoing reality that demands sustained intervention. They call for stronger policies to address economic inclusion, security, and gender-based violence, arguing that without targeted efforts, displaced people will continue to face extreme vulnerabilities. 

They stress that humanitarian organizations, policymakers, and development agencies must work together to create sustainable solutions that empower displaced persons, ensuring they have the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.

The study paints a complex picture of displacement in Ghana, one of resilience, struggle, and an urgent need for action. While many displaced people are finding ways to survive, significant barriers remain. With most choosing to integrate rather than return, the focus must shift to creating long-term opportunities that allow them to contribute meaningfully to society. 

Without such efforts, forced displacement will remain a growing humanitarian challenge for years to come.