Inter-regional migration in the global south: Chinese migrants in Ghana

Joseph Kofi Teye, Jixia Lu, Gordon Crawford

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

While the migration of Chinese people to Africa dates back to the 1960s, it has increased significantly in the last two decades. Despite growing interest in such inter-regional migration flows, there is little understanding of the drivers and effects of such movements. Drawing on a combination of data generated through a quantitative survey and in-depth interviews, this chapter examines the drivers and impacts of Chinese migration to Ghana, a country which has been a significant destination for Chinese migrants for several decades. The findings indicate that the migration of Chinese people to Ghana has both positive and negative impacts. Positively, incomes and livelihoods of some Chinese migrants and Ghanaians who work for Chinese investors have improved. However, financial rewards have benefited some more than others, with increased income inequalities along gender and social class lines. Negative impacts include environmental degradation, violation of Ghana's trade and mining laws, and exploitation of some Ghanaians by Chinese migrants. While Chinese migrants and their families left behind in China benefit through improved incomes and remittances, migration and associated financial flows contribute to a deepening of inequalities in migrants' sending areas.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Palgrave Handbook of South-South Migration and Inequality
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages319-341
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9783031398148
ISBN (Print)9783031398131
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Dec 2023

Keywords

  • China
  • Ghana
  • Global South
  • Inequality
  • Labour migration
  • Migration flows
  • Mining
  • Remittances
  • South-South migration
  • Trade

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