Factors Contributing to Migration from Ghana to the United States of America

SALIFU, SHANI, M.A., June 2007. International Development Studies FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO MIGRATION FROM GHANA TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (127 pp.) Director of Thesis: Francis E. Godwyll This study examines the causes of migration from Ghana to the United States of America (U.S). It explores the internal and external factors that motivate Ghanaians to travel to the U.S. It uses the theories of the laws of migration promulgated by Ernest George Ravenstein, the theory of intervening opportunities by Samuel Stouffer and the migration theory by Everett Lee to facilitate understanding of the causes of migration from Ghana. In addition to identifying the causes of international migration from Ghana, the study also looks at the benefits and adverse effects of international migration for Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative design using semi-structured interview schedule. The target population for the study was first generation Ghanaians based in the U.S. recruited through the snowball sampling technique and interviewed by telephone. The study concluded with a confirmation that even though economic reasons motivated the decisions of those who were interviewed to travel to the United States other factors like the world systems, globalization of media and educational opportunities played various roles in informing the decisions of Ghanaians to migrate. Approved: _____________________________________________________________ Francis E. Godwyll Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Acknowledgement The completion of this thesis would not have been possible without the help, support and encouragement from a special group of people. I wish to express my gratitude and heart felt thanks to Treasa for being an inspiration; Abdul-Gafaru, for all his support; Ahmed, for checking on my progress; Action, for all his kindness; Joe-Kalee and Ibrahim, for being true brothers and Abdul-Bassit for all his goodness. In the same breath I wish to thank sister Shemawu for being such a wonderful support all the way. I must also thank my Committee Chair, Dr. Francis Godwyll, for his encouragement and guidance throughout the writing process; Dr. William Romoser for his insightful advice and assistance and last but not the least, Dr. Sandra Turner for agreeing to become part of my committee and also providing support and advice on my methodology when I needed it most. I owe a lot to these three for all the help they offered me toward fulfilling an academic desire that will move my life to the next level. My sincere appreciation is further extended to all the participants of this research. I thank them for their time, honesty, openness and for confiding in me. I am truly grateful to you all. I also wish to thank members of my writing group: Treasa, Karen, Cat and Jennifer for the useful corrections and suggestions they made to this work during our weekly sessions. My thanks also go to all the Ghanaians whose friendships have been invaluable. My respect goes to my mother and father for their confidence in me and in whatever path I chose for myself. My special thanks also go to Dr. Lisa Aubrey for her role in bringing me this far. Lastly, I thank GOD Almighty who made this possible by giving me health, fortitude, wisdom, knowledge and keeping me focused.