Migration and wage labour: a case study of Ghanaians in New York City, 1957-2010

Abstract

Ghanaian migration to the USA is considered a displacement caused by poverty, political instability and the desire for one to improve his or her economic and social status. Such perceptions are usually based on stereotypes rather than theoretically informed empirical evidence. This idea is influenced by media images of massive refugee flows of Africa to the USA. Like any other African immigrants, Ghanaian migration to the USA can be viewed in two main forms; involuntary and voluntary. The involuntary migration experience of Ghanaians in the USA dates to the 16th century when Ghanaians were brought to North America as slaves to provide labour for the 'new world'. Voluntary migration of Ghanaian, on the other hand, became visible during the second half of the 20th century after the country gained its independence from the British. Methodologically, the paper employs the qualitative approach by examining newspapers reports, oral interviews and various secondary sources exploring migration and labour history.