Factors Influencing Migration of Ghanaian Youth to the Diasporas

International migration has been observed to be mounting significantly, notwithstanding the upsurge of worldwide restraining immigration laws. This development over the years has been in response to economic, social and political integration, with extensive implications for the movement of commodity, capital and people. In Africa, for instance, spatial mobility is a deep-seated socio-historical aspect of life because in the region diverse forms of migration, including voluntary and compelled, are widespread. The extent to which migration positively or adversely affects the life opportunities of youth in diasporic settings is partly influenced by their plans and intentions prior to embarking on their journeys. Youth in many African countries, including Ghana, have plans or intentions of migrating to the Diasporas. In view of the fact that many factors contribute to premigrants’ motivation and readiness to migrate, as well as take risks in the process, this chapter, which is an exploration of the literature, discusses (a) migration and the global community, (b) drivers of youths to the Diasporas, (c) attractions in diasporic settings that motivate youths to migrate and (d) aspirations that influence youths’ proclivity to migrate. Also, implications are discussed for social work practice, research and policy.