Solidarity Practices Among Informal Migrant Networks in Cities of Ghana

The operationalisation of the concept of solidarity and how it plays out among migrants in the West African context is still at its infancy. The practice of informal networks such as faith- and ethnic-based associations and how they support new and vulnerable migrants to better integrate into cities is increasingly recognised. This chapter draws on a review of relevant secondary data as well as academic and grey literature to examine solidarity practices among migrant networks and how these practices contribute to their integration into destination cities in Ghana. The chapter focuses on the specific case of rural/north to urban/south migrants in Ghana. Our analysis highlights that rural-to-urban migrants are faced with numerous challenges including inadequate resources, cultural barriers, hostile attitude of destination communities, language, and lack of institutionalised social support systems to promote their integration. The informal migrant networks, however, were found to be instrumental in offering financial support, information, and advice about jobs, accommodation, and essential services that contribute to migrants’ livelihoods and overall integration. These practices are embedded in principles of trust, interdependence, and reciprocity. Among these principles, our chapter also identifies exploitative practices, and how the migrants through collective and individual agency navigate exploitation within their informal networks.