Agbobloshie is known as a hub for many head porters, commonly referred to as kayayei, in Ghana. While this line of work provides a means of survival for many young women seeking better opportunities, it presents numerous challenges.
A recent episode of Joy Prime’s ‘Just Turned 18’ show, hosted by Lois Shola Adeyemi, focused on first-time voters who are kayayei and the issues that influence their decision-making process, especially as the December 7 general election approaches.
Many of these young kayayei shared that their main reason for moving south was to seek financial independence. However, upon their arrival, they were faced with the harsh reality of limited job opportunities in the city they had hoped would offer them refuge.
After months of unsuccessful job hunting, they turned to the head porter business as a last resort.
Despite the little income generated from this business, these young women have encountered numerous challenges.
Farida, a kayayei, shared that she often struggles to earn enough money to afford a place to sleep at night after a long day of carrying goods in the market.
This situation has led her and others to sleep outside, exposing them to risks of assault and exploitation.
Arama, another kayayo, recounted instances of fighting off men who attempted to rape her while sleeping on the streets. This forced her to share a single room with twelve other kayayei as a safety measure.
Some of these kayayei have also faced physical violence from men demanding access to their bodies, leaving them with injuries that they cannot afford to treat due to financial constraints.
These young women highlighted the challenges of Ghana’s current economy, including high rent prices and the need to pay for basic amenities like public toilets.
Despite their dreams and aspirations, they struggle to make ends meet and support their families back home.
As political parties develop their manifestos and plans, these kayayei hope that their voices, fears, and struggles will be taken into account.
They believe that with the right support and opportunities, Ghana’s youth can contribute to the country’s development and success.
