KAYAYO,HER AGONY(INTRODUCTION)

INTRODUCTION

 “Kayayo'' in local parlance refers to head porter, a trade with female predomination.  The menial job is commonplace in urban Ghana, notably the national capital, where hordes of eager and vibrant young girls migrate to in anticipation of improved living conditions.

Though a preserve of women, some agile men join the exodus, as they struggle to eke out a living in the numerous crowded markets of the capital.They mostly migrate from the three northern region of Ghana (northern, upper east and west) where poverty is endemic owing to the absence of job opportunities.

The drudgery associated with this job is better witnessed. The porters are predisposed to ill-health, rape and other physical attacks. Some relent and give up, but others plod on eager and determined to make good their life-ambition which often is to make up some money and return to school. Policy makers often profess to have their interest at heart, sometimes promising hostel facilities complete with vocational training while down south. Another school of thought has suggested that the best way out is to provide job opportunities up north, to nib the practice in the bud.