Remittances And Social Expenditures Of Migrant Households In The Ekumfi District

ABSTRACT

Several academic researchers in Ghana have heightened the importance of

international remittances rather than the importance of internal remittances to

migrant households (Kanu&Ozurumba, 2013; Quartey, 2006). This study

therefore, examined remittances and social expenditures of migrant households in

the Ekumfi District. The study employed a cross sectional and descriptive survey

design using questionnaire and interview guide as the data collection instruments.

A sample size of 377 respondents answered questionnaires while eight key

informants were interviewed. Frequency tables, cross-tabulations and t-test

statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that migrant

households’ monthly income generated from primary occupations prior to the

receipt of remittances was less than GH 100. Also, migrant households received

more of cash remittances; usually less than GH 100 on quarterly basis through

mobile money. Again, occupation of migrant, social ties and households’ welfare

conditions influenced remittances flow to migrant households. Additionally,

remittances served as an alternate source of income for migrant households in the

Ekumfi District because it increased the expenditures of food, education and

clothing by providing additional income to finance additional spending rather than

the expenditures of health, social function, farming, trading and housing. Besides,

the study recommends that the Ekumfi District Assembly should implements

specific technical and vocational programmes to upgrade the semi-skilled and

unskilled youths to streamline better job opportunities and reflect in increased

remittances to migrant households during out-migration to urban centres.