Hibiscus

GHANA REPORT

Published by Hibiscus Initiatives

Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA, United Kingdom

First published 2023

© Hibiscus Initiatives

hibiscusinitiatives.org.uk

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This publication is copyright, but may be reproduced by any method without fee or prior permission for teaching purposes, but not for resale. For copying in any other circumstances, prior written permission must be obtained from the publisher, and a fee may be payable.

Editor: Ella Weldon

Design: Prospectus

Cover image: Ghanaian jewellery

INTRODUCTION

Hibiscus is the UK’s leading organisation working with Black, minoritised and migrant women and families at the intersection of the immigration and criminal justice systems.

Our work over 35 years has afforded us distinct experience and unrivalled understanding of the intersecting and compounding disadvantages, challenges, and vulnerabilities experienced by our clients.

The communities we work with face multiple barriers to justice such as racism, xenophobia, trafficking, gender-based violence and destitution, which place them at-risk of re-traumatisation and being re-exploited. Our person-centred approach empowers our clients in dealing with their multiple and often complex needs.

Our work spans across the community, prisons, courts, and within detention and international resettlement settings. Our work at the grassroots level encompasses three intervention methods:

1 Our Practical Support workstream involves specialist casework and tailored support around housing, immigration, entitlements, and legal issues.

2 Our Wellbeing workstream provides emotional, mental and psychosocial support, to enable clients to address the trauma they experienced.

3 The new Empowerment & Agency workstream creates opportunities for clients to develop agency and empower themselves to change their lives and participate in opportunities to influence systemic change by using their voice and experience.

This is supported by our Influencing department where we partner with the clients, to provide them the skills and expertise they need to develop as experienced leaders. We create platforms where their voices can challenge inequalities and influence change.

Within the context of the Hibiscus International Resettlement Programme, Hibiscus’ immediate priorities are to support livelihoods, social networks and employment opportunities to increase the likelihood of successful long-term resettlement. We strive to assist and support clients to successfully reintegrate in their home countries by extending our referral programme to local support organisations and networks to support resettlement needs, such as securing access to accommodation and seed capital assistance to start small businesses. COVID-19 has added an extra element of insecurity, therefore increasing the need for successful integration programmes.

Within the context of these aims, Waseem Saghir (Head of International Resettlement and Detention Services), Seika Aziz (Project Coordinator) and Rakie Ceesay (Specialist Project Worker) undertook a research field trip to Ghana in November 2022.

BACKGROUND TO OUR TRIP

Since the start of Hibiscus’ international resettlement work, Ghana has been one of the nationalities with the highest representation in detention.

Although there are currently far fewer Ghanaian nationals in detention, we periodically experience an increase as a result of Home Office commissioned charter flights to Ghana. Yet the Return to Ghana booklet currently has minimal information and hence a trip to Ghana was organised to enable us to expand on the support available to our clients.

OUR PURPOSE OF THE TRIP WAS TO:

• Better understand and explore the myriad of ‘push and pull’ factors of migration from Ghana to the United Kingdom.

• Better support our clients in the UK seeking to return to Ghana.

• Document the personal resettlement experiences of our clients’ who have returned to Ghana.

THE INFORMATION AND DATA WERE COLLECTED THROUGH:

• Expert interviews

• Interviews with clients

• Observation and cultural immersion

THE WORK CONDUCTED ON THIS TRIP LINKS TO HIBISCUS’ STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES TO:

• Increase our knowledge around the specific social and economic contexts of Ghana to better inform our work with Ghanaian nationals.

• Build and use an evidence-based methodology that will inform the development of services, respond to partners, and allow us to influence policy.

• Make efficient use of our existing resources, networks and contacts to increase our knowledge, and articulate the voice of those we support more effectively.

• Share and deploy our knowledge powerfully through commissioning and disseminating analysis, research, and evidence.

• Gain more insight into the push factors relating to migration.

• Present our messages through informed communications, including those of our partners that reflect the voice of our clients, our mission and impact.

• Develop our networks with institutions; both nationally and internationally and to extend our knowledge, influence and reach.

POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHICS

Ghana is located in Western Africa and shares borders with Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Burkina Faso. Based on data from the 2021 general census, Ghana has a current population of nearly 31 million1. The population density of Ghana has increased steadily since the 70s and 80s. As a result of higher levels of economic productivity and opportunities, the most populated areas are in and around the capital city Accra and other urban areas such as Kumasi and Takoradi2.

Ghana continues to have a relatively large rural population, many of whom are dependent on subsistence agriculture. World Bank data from 2021 estimates that 42% of the population live in rural areas, having decreased from 70% in the 19704.

Ghana is a deeply religious country, with religion representing a key social institution. According to the recent 2021 census, the country has a predominant Christian population of around 71%, with various Christian denominations represented within this group5. 20% of the population follow Islam, and the majority of the remainder follow indigenous belief systems or traditional African religions. Given the significance of religion in Ghana and the existing religious plurality, there is generally a high level of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence; factors enshrined in the constitution6 7

There are around 50 languages spoken in Ghana, some major ones including Akan, Nzema, Ewe and Ga. However, English is the official language used in Ghana, as a result of British imperial presence and rule since the early 16th century8. English is the predominant language used for government and business affairs, as well as legal and administrative documents and procedures. Furthermore, English is also used in Ghanaian politics and media coverage, with many popular newspapers written in English. Additionally, English is the language of formal instruction in Ghana’s education system, and is taught to students from early primary school. Ghanaian English is largely influenced by indigenous languages’ idioms, phrases, pronunciation and grammatical rules and so is referred to by some as pidgin English8

1Census 2021 - Stats Ghana. 2021/ https://census2021.statsghana.gov.gh/

2Ghana Population 2023. 2023. https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/ghana-population/

3World Bank. 2020. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=GH

4World Bank. 2023. Rural population (% of total population) - Ghana

5Ghana 2021 Population and Housing Census. 2021. https://census2021.statsghana.gov.gh/gssmain/fileUpload/reportthemelist/2021%20PHC%20General%20Report%20Vol%203C_Background%20Characteristics_181121.pdf

6Konadu,A., Bonsu, F. M., & Amedorme, D. 2022. Fostering Religious Tolerance and Harmonization in Ghana. https://repository.globethics.net/handle/20.500.12424/4170906

7United States Department of State. 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom: Ghana. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/ uploads/2021/05/240282-GHANA-2020-INTERNATIONAL-RELIGIOUS-FREEDOM-REPORT.pdf

8Adika, G. S. K. (2012). English in Ghana: Growth, Tensions, and Trends. International Journal of Language, Translation and Intercultural Communication. file:///Users/ellaweldon/Downloads/2723-541-5567-1-10-20130719.pdf

The stipulated life expectancy in Ghana, as projected in 2018, was 643.

ECONOMY AND POLITICS

During the pre-colonial era, there were a variety of political structures including centralised states, such as the Ashanti Empire, non-centralised states and theocracies9

Ghana’s status as the ‘Gold Coast’, attracted Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists since the 15th century. The imperial forces spearheaded the transatlantic slave trade during the following centuries, enslaving, selling, and transporting millions of people from Ghana to Europe, America and the Caribbean. During its peak in the 1800s, it is estimated that around 5,000 enslaved people were shipped yearly from Ghana alone. The slave trade profoundly impacted the economy, labour force and social fabric of Ghana today10

Britain made Ghana a crown colony following Dutch withdrawal in 1874 and continued to consolidate power over trade, law, education and other institutions10. The Gold Coast was the first nation in Africa to gain independence from Britain in 1957, following an independence movement from the early 20th century. Kwame Nkrumah became the first president of Ghana and launched an ambitious development programme. Nkrumah was overthrown by a coup-d’état in 1966 that led to a number of successive military governments, and only returned to democracy in 199210

From 1965 Ghana suffered a long-lasting economic crisis of an unprecedented scale, perpetuated by Structural Adjustment Policies of the 1980s. Yet, in terms of its modern day economy, Ghana has had an impressive growth portfolio and was designated as a middle-income country in 201111.

Ghana remains Africa’s largest gold producer and is rich in natural resources and fertile soil. Recent World Bank data demonstrates that agriculture makes up almost 20% of Ghana’s economy and employs around 30% of the labour force12. Agricultural land covers about 55% of the country and consists largely of small to medium sized farms. The type of crop growth depends largely on the region, with significant crops including cocoa, rice, palm oil, coffee, rubber, maize, yam plantain, tobacco, and cotton13. While livestock production is a significant feature of the economy, Ghana continues to depend on the import of meat and dairy products10.

9Michalopoulos, S., & Papaioannou, E. 2013. Pre-colonial ethnic institutions and contemporary African development. Econometrica, 81(1), 113-152.

10Miller, F. P., Vandome, A. F., & McBrewster, J. 2009. History of Ghana. Saarbrücken, Germany et al.: Alphascript Publishing. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Alphascript_Publishing_book_by_Miller_FP_Vandome_AF_McBrewster_J._A_ scanned_example._History_of_Ghana._Copy_and_paste_from_wikipedia.pdf

11Crédit Agricole Group. 2021. Economic and Political overview. Ghana. https://international.groupecreditagricole.com/en/international-support/ghana/economic-overview

12World Bank. 2021. Ghana. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS?locations=GH

13Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. 2023. https://www.fao.org/ghana/fao-in-ghana/ghana-at-a-glance/en/

Ghana has been through a number of significant political and economical transitions over the last few hundreds.

The service sector makes up the most significant component of the economy, representing almost 45% of GDP and employing almost 50% of the labour force14. Other important sectors are mining (including gold), timber production manufacturing, food processing, automotive, banking, telecommunications and more recently crude oil production.

The Accra-Kumasi-Takoradi triangle is linked to the coast by rail and road systems, making this area an important magnet for investment and labour. The Government is making efforts to decentralise the administration of these areas for the benefit of the rural communities11.

Since 2017, Ghana experienced a period of rapid growth, consistently placed among Africa’s fastest-growing economies. However, this growth stagnated during 2020 as a result of falling oil prices and the Covid-19 pandemic - plunging Ghana into economic recession. This decline had a significant impact on the population, with evidence of increasing poverty rates. 2021 saw growth recovery of 5%, which the World Bank attributes to Ghana’s ‘dynamic agriculture and service sectors’15. However, Ghana currency faces 32% inflation, which represents an 18-year high and is driving up the cost of living.

Given its growth record, Ghana has made significant progress in reducing poverty over time. However, such success has not been evenly spread, with the nation still facing high levels of inequality16. A report conducted by UNICEF and researchers from the University of Sussex and Ghana’s Ashesi University College in 2015, found that since the early 2000s, the gap between the poorest 10% and the richest 10% of the population has been rising and rates of poverty reduction have slowed17

Relatively new data released in 2020 using Ghana’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) from surveys conducted in 2017 explored ‘poverty as a complex issue that transcends monetary deprivations and assesses the multiple pathways in which people experience poverty’ including dimensions of health, education, and living standards18. The data revealed that at least 40% of Ghanaians can be classified as ‘poor beyond monetary deprivations’. Alternative measures of poverty such as the most recent World Bank data in 2016, which assessed household spending (a more conventional measure of poverty) found that 23% of the population were living below the poverty line.

Rates of poverty in Ghana are shaped by a number of overlapping and compounding factors, such as geography, level of education, gender, employment status and age. In terms of geography, measures of poverty have consistently shown the Northern Region to have the highest levels of poverty, with 80% of people classified as multidimensionally poor in 201713. The Northern Region is closely followed by the Upper East Region, and the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions have consistently shown to have the lowest poverty levels. There is also a significant divide across rural and urban populations; the UNICEF data from 2016 demonstrated that average poverty rates for households in rural areas was more than 3 times those in urban areas12.

Women are disproportionately represented among the poor in Ghana and are less likely to own assets, for example they are two times less likely to own land19. Women are overrepresented in precarious informal labour and there remains a significant gender wage gap and gap in labour participation20.

14PWorld Bank. 2021. Services: Ghana. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.SRV.TOTL.ZS?locations=GH

15World Bank. 2022. Ghana Overview. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ghana/overview

16World Bank. 2015. Poverty Reduction in Ghana: Progress and Challenges. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ghana/publication/poverty-reduction-ghana-progress-challenges

17UNICEF. 2016. The Ghana Poverty and Inequality Report. https://www.unicef.org/ghana/media/531/file/The%20Ghana%20Poverty%20and%20Inequality%20Report.pdf

18UNDP. 2020. New data looking at poverty in different dimensions in Ghana show reduction over time. https://www.undp.org/ghana/press-releases/new-data-looking-poverty-different-dimensions-ghana-show-reduction-over-time

19A.D. Oduro, W. Baah-Boateng and L. Boakye-Yiadom. 2011. Measuring the Gender Asset Gap in Ghana.

Accra: University of Ghana and Woeli Publishing Services. http://www.genderassetgap.org

20Oxfam. 2018. Building a More Equal Ghana: A 5-point action plan to close the gap between the rich and the rest. https://policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/building-a-more-equal-ghana-a-5-point-action-plan-to-close-the-gap-between-the620549/#:~:text=Oxfam%20estimates%20that%20just%20one,growth%20and%20threatening%20social%20cohesion.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Ghana maintains a strong patriarchal and male-dominated culture, traditional values and socialisation processes which generate significant gender inequality 21 .

Cultural roles often assert that women and girls are subservient to men, with expectations to be seen and not heard and to be restricted to the domestic sphere; resulting in a relative lack of material resources. Although women actually make up the majority of the population in Ghana (50.7%), they are underrepresented in leadership roles, politically and economically22.

One prominent issue of gender inequality that impacts Ghanaian society is gender-based violence. Statistics available at the Accra Regional Office of Domestic violence and Victim Support Unit, demonstrate that as of August 2020, 32% of Ghanaian women have faced at least one form of intimate partner violence (IPV); ranging from physical, economic, psychological, or sexual23. In Ghanaian schools, one study found that 52% of girls had experienced one form of gender-based violence24

Like with all gender-based violence data, these figures are likely to be significant underestimations; due to a myriad of significant barriers and challenges faced by women that deter them from reporting. Women often fear reprisal from a variety of figures, including

family members. Many of these obstacles are rooted in a cultural belief that IPV and other forms of gender-based violence are private matters that should be addressed outside of the criminal justice system25. There is currently only one active, notable refuge in Ghana for victims of IPV, The Ark Foundation. Many women have shared their experiences of reporting incidents of IPV to the police and their reports receiving very little attention, some being advised to resolve the issue with their partner at home.

The introduction of the 2007 Domestic Violence Bill by the Ghanaian Parliament was hoped to be a major step in eliminating gender-based violence. However, critics argue that in reality the legislation has not resulted in enough transformational change to the deeply embedded determinants of violence against women.

In addition to this, there are also issues of trafficking, sexual exploitation, child marriages, violence against elderly women accused of witchcraft, widowhood inheritance grabbing and the denial of widowhood rights26 27 .

Alangea, D.O., Dako-Gyeke, P., Chirwa, E.D., Coker-Appiah, D., Adanu, R.M. and Jewkes, R., 2020. Patriarchy and gender-inequitable attitudes as drivers of intimate partner violence against women in the central region of Ghana. BMC public health, 20(1), pp.1-11.

22UNDP. 2022. Push forward–to end violence against women and girls.

https://www.undp.org/ghana/news/push-forward-end-violence-against-women-and-girls

23Owusu Adjah, E.S. and Agbemafle, I., 2016. Determinants of domestic violence against women in Ghana. BMC public health, 16(1), pp.1-9

24Lithur NO. Ghana statement at the 57th Session of the United Nations Commission on the state of women. New York: UN; 2013. p. 2–4.

25Mann JR, Takyi BK. Autonomy, dependence or culture: examining the impact of resources and socio-cultural processes on attitudes towards intimate partner violence in Ghana, Africa. J Fam Violence. 2009;24(5):323–35.

26Crampton, A., 2013. No peace in the house: witchcraft accusations as an” old woman’s problem” in Ghana. Anthropology & Aging Quarterly.

27Ahonsi, B., Fuseini, K., Nai, D., Goldson, E., Owusu, S., Ndifuna, I., Humes, I. and Tapsoba, P.L., 2019. Child marriage in Ghana: evidence from a multi-method study. BMC women’s health, 19(1), pp.1-15.

21Sikweyiya, Y., Addo-Lartey, A.A.,

32% of Ghanaian women have faced at least one form of intimate partner violence (IPV)

52% of girls experience a form of gender-based violence24

Like with all gender-based violence data, these figures are likely to be

SIGNIFICANT UNDERESTIMATIONS

MIGRATION AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The large-scale economic downfall in Ghana from 1965 onwards and high rates of unemployment and political instability that lasted until the 1990s stimulated a large number of Ghanaians to emigrate as a survival strategy in search of jobs, education opportunities, and better living standards28.

Most Ghanaian immigrants migrated to other West African countries, such as Nigeria and Côte-D’Ivoire, however since the 1990s large numbers of Ghanaians settled in Europe and North America. Reliable data on the proportion and country of residence of Ghanaians living abroad is difficult to acquire, however statistics from the OECD International Migration Database demonstrate the USA to be the highest receiving country, followed by the UK and Italy29.

Like many other former British colonies, Ghana has been a significant source of migrants in the UK. According to UK Home Office statistics, Ghana was among the top ten sending countries to the UK in 1996, with a well-established Ghanaian diaspora existing in the UK today, particularly in London.

Major pull factors to the UK include securing gainful employment and better educational opportunities, reuniting with family members and friends, connecting with a diasporic community and being able to speak the host country’s language, with Ghana being an anglophone country.

Ghana has the second highest rate of emigration to OECD countries among the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), after Nigeria. However, compared to other countries in the ECOWAS, their emigration rate appears to be growing at a much slower rate25.

The issue of human trafficking in Ghana first gained international concern with the publishing of research that demonstrated the occurrence of forced labour of children in the fishing industry30.

28Anarfi, J. and Ababio, O.M., 2017. A Historical Perspective of Migration from and to Ghana. 29OECD International Migration Database. 2021. Recent trends in emigration from Ghana. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/d716599e-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/d716599e-en 30U.S. Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report.2006. http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2006/

According to the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons, Ghana is a country of ‘origin, transit and destination for men, women and children subjected to forced labour and sex trafficking’. While internal trafficking is more of a prominent issue in Ghana, there are increasing rates of transnational human trafficking from Ghana into domestic service, agricultural work and commercial sexual exploitation31

While human trafficking presents a global challenge, statistics are rising rapidly across many countries in Africa, including Ghana.

Statistics from Ghana’s ‘Human Trafficking Secretariat of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social

Protection’ indicates that there was a 42% increase in victims in only one year, from 2021 to 2022 26. According to the Ministry, the number of investigations also increased by 24% in this period, while prosecutions increased by 70% 32 .

The Government of Ghana has introduced several policies, legislation, and programs to address the main determinants of human trafficking. The Human Trafficking Act of 2005, provided a robust framework to prevent, prosecute traffickers and protect trafficked persons.

In 2010, the definition of trafficking was updated in line with the UN’s definition33. Prevention strategies embedded within the act include public and community awareness work and child protection programmes. Furthermore, the government established a board to manage anti-trafficking training sessions for law enforcement and immigration officials.

Despite the government’s efforts to eradicate human trafficking and prosecute domestic and international offenders, the number of human trafficking cases unfortunately has remained high in the country and there is much more work to be done, particularly on the protection and rehabilitation of victims29

Like migration globally, migration within and outside of Ghana can be seen to be an adaptation and livelihood strategy, determined by a myriad of complex and diverse reasons, both personal and structural, that lead people to leave their homes. The ‘push factors’ of migration in Ghana are centred around low-income and remuneration, poor standard of living and working conditions, lack of career development opportunities, economic and social insecurity and the perception of migration as a way to achieve security.

Poverty can also shape migration opportunities in different ways;

31MIOM Ghana. Research - Cross-border Human Trafficking. https://www.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl486/files/country/docs/ghana/IOM-Ghana-Research-Cross-border-Human-Trafficking.pdf

32Ghana News Agency. 2022. https://gna.org.gh/2022/08/ghana-records-increase-in-human-trafficking/

33Sertich, M. and Heemskerk, M., 2011. Ghana’s human trafficking act: Successes and shortcomings in six years of implementation. Human Rights Brief, 19(1), p.1.

34Sabates-Wheeler, R., Sabates, R., and Castaldo, A. (2005) ‘Tackling Poverty-Migration Linkages: Evidence from Ghana and Egypt’. Migration DRC Working Paper T14, [online] available at: www.migrationdrc.org/publications/working_papers/WPT14.pdf [accessed 14.5.2013]

Poorer international migrants are more likely to take irregular routes and may face more risk during their journeys and at their destinations34.

EXPERIENCE AND IMMERSION

Through our cultural observation and immersion, we learnt about the impact, effects and factors of migration and immigration.

DATE MEETING/EVENT

26/11/22

27/11/2022

• The Light Outreach

• International Organization for Migration (IOM)

• Meeting with Charles Asante, Obuoba Tours (Our invitee).

• Migrant Watch

• Meeting with client

28/11/22

• West Africa Behavioural Health Addictions and Recovery Management (WABHARM)

• Alliance Against Illegal Migration (AAIM)

29/11/22

• Cultural visit to Manhyia Palace

• Meeting with client

• YMCA

30/11/22

• Mentoring Women

• The Ark Foundation

• Attendance at the Women in Energy Conference

01/12/22

02/12/22

03/12/22

• Caritas Ghana

• Cultural visits to Church, Mosque and Independence Square

• Mind ‘N’ Health

In this section, we will outline the work of each organisation we met on our trip and the insights they shared with us regarding the context of migration and trafficking in Ghana and the support available for returnees.

THE LIGHT OUTREACH

‘Mama Ellen’ originally founded the organisation in 1996 in London with the mission of supporting and providing meals for homeless people. This work was later extended to Ghana as a result of the extremely concerning prevalence of street children within cities. Ellen and the Outreach Team eventually set up a children’s home which began housing homeless children, providing them with a home, education and a sense of community and family.

Hibiscus visited one of The Light Outreach Homes in Prampram, East of Accra. The home supported 39 children, ranging from infants up to young adults aged 17, the majority of whom were street children. The home, run by a total of 8 staff and volunteers, offers safety, care and comfort to help the children grow and flourish.

During our meeting, they described how their policies were based on their Christian values, which they felt best represented their philosophy and work.

Although faith is important to the organisation, they support children of all backgrounds and religions. Recently, their child protection policies were becoming more streamlined in line with governmental social welfare in Ghana and UNICEF.

The team shared three success stories with us; all children had grown up and with the support of the project were currently employed within the Light Outreach Team.

The building is currently being extended, the organisation is building a pre-school and a skills training centre which will conduct training in hairdressing, dressmaking and vocational courses.

The Light Outreach gave us an insight into another of the organisation’s projects in Bolgatanga, Northern Ghana. This home provides 26 women with skills training in hairdressing and dressmaking. Funding was sourced from individual donations and the Light Outreach staff were effectively directing funds to ensure the success of the project. They are hoping to have a similar setup in Prampram.

After discussing Hibiscus’ work and the issues faced by women returning to Ghana from the UK, the team agreed that there would be scope for Hibiscus to refer young women to The Light Outreach to receive support in reintegration.

The Light Outreach’s mission is ‘to provide a home for the forgotten children of Africa, brightening their futures with education, support and family’.

International Organization for Migration

IOM facilitates its partners to ‘promote safe migration, meet the growing migration challenges, advance the understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of all migrants’35.

IOM works with the Government of Ghana to ensure full adherence to the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), which works towards target 10.7 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in which member states committed ‘to cooperate internationally to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration’. The GCM provides a structure for facilitating national development to benefit Ghanaian migrants abroad and migrants in Ghana.

We met with David Darko, Reintegration Assistant from the Migrant Protection and Assistance Division. Due to the IOM in Ghana moving offices, we experienced difficulties in getting in touch with the offices in Ghana, but we were put in touch by IOM UK.

IOM supports both Facilitated Return Scheme (FRS) and Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) cases. The majority of the AVR cases that IOM support are from Germany and some from the UK. David explained how both the British and German systems provided cash incentives to ‘returnees’, however the IOM preferred to provide ‘in-kind’ assistance, as it gave IOM more direct involvement with individuals to help plan and direct their resettlement, such as helping formulate and implement business plans. ‘In-kind’ assistance was offered to individuals returning from a variety of other countries, such as the Netherlands, Malta, Turkey and Greece, each with their own specific programme of support.

In terms of cases from the UK, IOM were mainly supporting individuals who were deportation cases and returning through the Facilitated Return Scheme (FRS); a financial incentive for those issued a deportation order to return to their country. IOM did not promote the organisation of charter flights, however would consider supporting individuals being deported on a charter flight at the request of the Government.

David expressed that he felt both the IOM and the ‘returnee’ had little control over the type of return and reintegration support offered, particularly where guidance is set by the sending country, as opposed to IOM.

IOM provides a variety of support for returnees:

• Clinical psychological support: As David himself provides counselling, he was able to highlight to us the prevalence of psychosocial issues among ‘returnees’. Typically counselling can cost $50 per session in Ghana and so is often inaccessible, so IOM provides a valuable service through their counselling.

• IOM supports the German returns programme by updating resources, including a ‘returns booklet’, that aims to support migrants returning to Ghana from Germany and is disseminated to local teams across the country. Returnees can then call IOM for further information. IOM mentioned that language is critical; by speaking the local dialect they

Since 1987, the IOM has been active in Ghana and supporting the Government’s migration management strategies.

are able to connect better with clients and make them feel more comfortable.

• Assistance with family tracing, similar to the Red Cross.

• Business development support; previous case studies include returnees setting up a car business, farming, shoe making, traditional clothing shops.

• Community reintegration assistance; helping clients to find employment.

David shared his perspective that individuals returning from Europe, both on the VRS and FRS schemes, were insufficiently supported and hence often decided they wanted to go back to the country they were returned from. David discussed data which demonstrates that those who were better supported were more likely to stay in the country of return. However, IOM also mentioned that clients have to sign a disclaimer to prevent them from returning to the UK for the next 2-5 years as part of the return scheme. David expressed that people are more likely to take information seriously if it is imparted by people from their country who have gone through or understand the system.

When asked about ‘returnees’ experiences, David reported on the high levels of stigma attached to someone who was deported back to Ghana, particularly those who are unable to support themselves financially or buy land or property on their return.

IOM informed us that Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) is offered to clients in Germany who are held in immigration detention, however this does not apply to the UK as migrants can only apply for AVR in the community; once detained, they are no longer eligible.

We discussed the increased prevalence of trafficking in Ghana, IOM highlighted that there were cases of women being trafficked from Northern Ghana and how there had been a few successful convictions of traffickers.

We were informed about child trafficking cases where children had been sold to fishermen for deep diving and used to untangle fishing nets. There were also cases of women being trafficked from Nigeria and Sierra Leone to Ghana. IOM had contact with the Reintegration Head in Sierra Leone and discussed combating trafficking. IOM mentioned the Human Trafficking Secretariat, as a critical organisation combating trafficking in Ghana, as well as policy improvements made in Ghana to tackle trafficking.

Other relevant organisations that were discussed were:

• The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) as an organisation who could potentially support returnees with accommodation.

• The European Return and Reintegration Network (ERRIN), to whom before Brexit, Hibiscus used to refer vulnerable clients in detention with complex needs or medical concerns to assist with their resettlement.

• The Canada Visa Application Centre (CAVAC) which operates in Ghana to support migration to Canada.

• The Migration Health Assessment Canada (MHAC) deals with the screening of TB and other infectious diseases for migrants.

When asked about violence against women and girls, David expressed that from his experience of working at IOM he had not encountered many of these cases, however he did give anecdotal information about women who had been sold as slaves to cover debts. He did highlight that FGM had massively reduced and is considered illegal in Ghana.

We discussed potential collaboration with IOM; in the form of referrals to Hibiscus for any vulnerable individuals in detention known to IOM.

WABHARM

West Africa Behavioural Health Addictions and Recovery Management

WABHRAM is a not for profit social enterprise organisation whose mission is to raise awareness of drugs and alcohol in communities, further providing addiction and substance abuse prevention, treatment and intervention, and recovery management.

WABHRAM is affiliated with the Ethnic Minority Behavioural Health Addiction & Recovery Management Foundation UK. (EMBHARM), who work specifically in economically deprived communities in the UK and provide culturally sensitive treatment interventions.

WABHARM’s ethos is based on the ‘Recovery Model of Addiction and Mental Health’ treatment, supporting people’s reintegration and community recovery. They recognise the interlinked relationship between poverty and unemployment, mental illness and substance abuse, and how this manifests particularly in the socioeconomic context of West Africa. They partner with lots of different bodies including: the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West Africa Commission on Drugs, Governments and Statutory organisations, as well as local and International NGOs and aim to support the development of drug and alcohol policy.

We met with Mohammed Adamu, founder of WABHARM who had lived in the UK for 28 years, and Farida, Vice President and Director of Skills Development and Employment.

WABHARM runs 3 facilities:

1 Open Access street assessment centre and food and clothes bank in Neema.

2 Accommodation for clients. WABHARM utilise their income from rented accommodation to fund their community services.

3 Supported rehab accommodation which consists of 9 phases and provides accommodation, skills and rehab to help integrate individuals back into the community.

WABHRAM have supported returnees from the UK who have been treated and rehabilitated and have then returned to the UK through legal means. WABHRAM received self-referrals as well as communicating with the probation service in the UK, picking up clients from the airport and admitting them into rehabilitation. WABHARM discussed their experience with clients from UK medical centre Brockfield House, where clients with serious mental health issues were returned to Ghana without adequate support.

They were initiated after conducting research in Ghana in 2009 which revealed that there were minimal existing adequate organisations to support people with mental health issues that were universally accessible, given that medical care costs in Ghana. Furthermore, WABHARM discussed the prevalent mental health stigma that often deters individuals from seeking help in the existing support services within psychiatric hospitals due to the stigma of mental illness. Although there are existing faith based drugs treatment support in Ghana, WABHARM discussed past cases of service users being exploited under these circumstances.

We discussed anti-trafficking and WABHARM mentioned that Nigerian people were being trafficked to Ghana as well as Ghanaians being trafficked to Europe and the Middle East.

MIGRANT WATCH

Migrant Watch and Skilled Revolution Front were set up to try to address the risks of irregular migration.

Their goal is to educate migrants and public institutions on the dangers of irregular migration journeys, including human trafficking and smuggling, and to prevent irregular migration by upskilling and increasing the employment opportunities of ‘would-be migrants’. Their training programmes include artisanal trades, IT and other vocations.

We met with Ato Amoah, who had been a victim of trafficking in the UK in 2007. He was arrested and bailed from Hatton Cross tribunal court and required to report every fortnight, and decided against applying for asylum. He eventually connected with IOM and returned to Ghana under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) scheme and was given the £5,000 reintegration assistance.

Some other services provided by Migrant Watch include, post-health screen and psychological assistance for returnees, as well as reintegration support and skills acquisition. The aim is to empower clients and to support economically challenged individuals to be able to provide for themselves. Through their advocacy and educational programmes, they involve clients with lived experience to become ambassadors in schools and other locations.

In terms of their experience with women migrants, they have found that most victims of trafficking were returning from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries. Migrant Watch described how many returnees returning from the region had experienced serious levels of trauma.

They highlighted a problem with employment recruitment, that businesses do not utilise the government Labour department platform when looking to recruit people and rely instead on newspapers.

Migrant Watch were concerned by the high number of sex workers in Oxford Road in Accra, most of whom are not Ghanaian and don’t speak any local languages, and who may have been trafficked, but are not receiving help or support.

In terms of partnerships and collaboration, Migrant Watch have travelled outside of Accra and into the North region to meet with local leaders to enable meaningful advocacy for women. They have also collaborated with international stakeholders including the UN, Refugee Council and the Jimmy Carter foundation. Migrant Watch are community based and receive no government support, however, they have worked with Ghana’s governmental Migration Information Bureau, as part of a reintegration programme.

When discussing collaboration with Hibiscus, Migrant Watch expressed how this would have to be on a case by case basis.

AAIM Alliance Against Illegal Migration

In the city of Kumasia, we met with Alliance Against Illegal Migration who were set up in 2008 by three founders who had returned from the UK and had a variety of experiences of return.

They shared some of their experiences and challenges living in the UK; often having to work more than one job to earn enough money to get by, having no social life, being unable to access healthcare, fear of Stop and Search by police, and general insecurities of life without status.

They set up AAIM to prevent people having to go through the same difficulties, focusing on youth by conducting educational programmes on the dangers of irregular migration and sharing their experiences at secondary school and universities.

Their advocacy work also includes radio. They have worked with Andrew Fleming from the British High Commission to highlight the dangers of irregular migration routes and sharing information on regular migration routes.

AAIM also does some reintegration work with returnees, providing advice and practical experience.

The organisation expressed concern over their perception that larger organisations had used AAIM’s reports and videos, but AAIM had not benefited themselves, with additional funding needed to continue their work.

AAIM said they were happy to assist our clients who are returning by providing advice, potential assistance with short term accommodation, possible financial support and business set-up advice.

YMCA

YMCA first began in Accra in 1890, set up by a British man, Wilkins

Michael Abbey.

Since then, YMCA movement has since spread to many other regions of Ghana. Their mission is ‘to enhance the development of the minds, bodies and spirit of young people in Ghana in order to make them productive and useful citizens’. YMCA in Ghana provides vocational and technical training and other empowerment and leadership programmes for young people, as well as an early years centre.

YMCA informed us of their previous project, funded by the EU, in which over 300 women returnees returning from Sweden were supported over a period of two years, to gain employment in sectors such as sustainable forestry and organic waste management. However, they expressed concern that some clients did not utilise their grants in the most effective way to facilitate their resettlement.

YMCA shared details of their reintegration work; helping returnees access basic resources such as health services, clothing and sanitary products. They have further supported 12 people in accessing education.

The aim is for returnees to reintegrate with their communities and families, but the YMCA shared cases of those who have returned to the YMCA for support as they were not able to successfully reintegrate with their family. They described the serious problem of victimisation and stigmatisation experienced by returnees, which adds to migrants being reluctant to return.

YMCA also described the Mastercard Global Communities, a donor funded project providing training in 16 construction areas. YMCA gave an example of a previously trafficked person who, having returned to Ghana, suffered from mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. However, with the support of the Mastercard programme, the individual was trained and employed by a construction firm, which facilitated their recovery. Other case studies of the Mastercard project included 6 women who participated in audio visual training programmes; one of whom is now working for the UN.

The YMCA also discussed their work with Accra psychiatric hospital, where psychosocial counselling is funded through projects on a case by case basis.

When discussing rates of trafficking in Ghana, the YMCA did not have a clear idea of the number of people being trafficked and expressed their perceptions that some of their clients are not aware of what trafficking is.

MENTORING WOMEN

Established in 2009, Mentoring Women Ghana is a nonprofit organisation that aims to facilitate women’s personal, social and career development through mentoring programmes.

Women in secondary and tertiary education are mentored by older, more accomplished women through sports programmes, professional interaction and personal development programs.

We met Bridgette, who founded Mentoring Women, after experiencing the power of mentoring during her time as a professional tennis player.

Mentoring Women work to create a network for empowering women, connecting clients to others in the same situation. They have also set up a training institution to train women to be domestic workers, emphasising the need for formality and professionalism within the sector, to ensure higher earnings and security.

Mentoring Women have identified an ideal home for their organisation but are currently seeking additional funding to be able to secure the property for the organisation.

Hibiscus are interested in collaborating with female mentors to support specific clients who would benefit from mentoring services, in particular, those returning to Accra. In relation to the financial support that Hibiscus provides to clients, working with MFW could enable us to ensure that clients utilise these funds to their maximum benefit, with the guidance of mentors.

THE ARK FOUNDATION

The Ark Foundation is a Christian Mission non-profit organisation based in Ghana for the last 23 years.

It aims to provide ‘compassionate care for the vulnerable, in particular, women and children from a Christian perspective’.

To empower individuals to live with dignity, it provides a variety of services including domestic violence and sexual and gender-based violence services, a shelter, social services, education and training, counselling, mental health and trauma interventions and legal aid. It also supports returnees with resettlement and reintegration. The foundation also engages in advocacy, social action, and policy work to promote the voices of vulnerable people.

The foundation currently partners with the centre for Trauma Relief and Prevention (Ghana), Unsilenced Voices (USA) which facilitates its Domestic Abuse program, and Hedge Ghana to build Ark’s sustainable funding project.

We met with Angela (director), Anabella (programme manager), Rex (finance) and Arabna (programme officer).

The Ark Foundation specifically supports female victims of trafficking alongside the Economic Organised Crimes Office, and International Justice Mission. Basic short-term support is provided at the shelter in terms of food, accommodation and initial counselling.

They expressed their perceptions that larger organisations have been reluctant to provide funding and resources as Ghana is perceived to be a relatively prosperous country, and that the issues of gender-based violence and trafficking are not well known.

Angela described the serious lack of shelters for women in Ghana, with there only being one formally recognised across the country. This was extremely concerning given the high, yet underreported, rates of violence against women, with around 1 in 3 women having experienced IPV in Ghana 22-23.

Currently, the Ark Foundation is running on a very low budget, and have recently attempted crowdsourcing. They expressed difficulties with the funding system in Ghana, where they felt it was hard to make changes unless you were connected to those in positions of power.

Finally, we discussed ‘Pearl Safe Haven’; an organisation mentioned in the ‘Return to Ghana’ booklet, whom we had been unable to get in touch with. The Ark Foundation said they had stopped their services due to a licence issue but only just got it reinstated.

CARITAS GHANA

Caritas Ghana is a faith based organisation formed in 1960 by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC).

It works in a wide variety of areas including broadly: social development, social services, educational improvement, promotion of social, environmental and health justice, promotion of pro-poor policies and action research.

One example of their advocacy work was campaigns to include ‘Right to Health’ in the National Constitution Review, which included dialogue with key state and non-stage agencies. Caritas has also provided relief services to victims of war, flood and other disasters, and provided targeted support for refugees displaced in Ghana.

We met with Sister Regina who also works for Caritas Africa and Caritas International, as well as the organisations safeguarding lead and project lead.

Caritas discussed their work tackling child trafficking and providing child advocacy in partnership with Austria. They also informed us they had done work with the International Justice Mission.

Caritas’ work focuses on border towns from which there is high levels of emigration. Caritas also does a lot of unfunded work in the field of women’s empowerment, including initiatives to promote the wellbeing of women working as head porters and women employed in processing plastic. Caritas strives to open up other avenues of employment and education in the north of Ghana due to its relative deprivation compared to other areas of the country.

In terms of their work supporting the reintegration and resettlement of returnees, they mentioned a variety of projects and partnership:

• Caritas previously partnered with organisations supporting migrants who have returned, particularly those from the Bono region.

• They have worked with a centre in Temali that provides accommodation and further support.

• Caritas previously provided serving and catering skills training to returnees, however funding ended for this project, which they described as reflective of the challenges they have faced with EU funding.

• They also mentioned the ‘Border Security Project’ which aimed to help migrants that return.

• Caritas partner with shelters that support returnees with reintegration, following irregular migration journeys or trafficking.

• Caritas described how radio stations used to reach out to returnees, however these have ended due to lack of funding.

As with many of the organisations we met, Caritas described the stigma faced by returnees.

They described a case study of a client, a Nigerian woman, who was trafficked to Qatar for prostitution. She experienced sexual abuse and was extremely traumatised. She was unable to return to her family due to extreme feelings of shame and stigma. Caritas said this reflects that Ghana is becoming a hub for other West African country nationals, due to perceptions of it becoming a safer place to live.

MIND ‘N’ HEALTH

Founded in 2017, Mind ‘N’ Health is an NGO in Ghana that provides mental health support and advocacy as a public health intervention.

The organisation, consisting of 5 members of trained staff, is focused on supporting clients to ‘find solutions to facilitate high quality, person-centred services and build their strengths, self-esteem or capacity to overcome obstacles, fear of the unknown, and improve a holistic well-being’. They have a particular focus on reducing loneliness and isolation.

As well as research and consultancy, they design intervention programmes that are tailored to an individual’s needs, which can include resettlement support, with an acute understanding of the social and economic issues within Ghana. The organisation runs a clinic which supports poor and destitute individuals, as well as those with mental health challenges.

We met founder Pascal, who initially started the organisation in Leeds in the UK, when it was focused on workplace wellbeing. He then identified a need in Tamulu, Northern Ghana.

Pascal described the context of mental health support in Ghana and informed us that there were 3 mental health hospitals in total in Ghana, all located in the south of the country, yet there are mental health units in each general hospital. He described the persistent levels of mental health stigma that prevents people going to mental health clinics, for fear of being singled out as ‘mad’. People would rather go to a general hospital for reasons of being more discrete.

Mind ‘N’ Health described a number of case studies of clients who had issues relating to their student/post study visas in the UK, particularly during the pandemic.

Mind ‘N’ Health described how they need to explore how they could signpost cases to Hibiscus.

A key theme that came out of our client meetings were the challenges associated with reintegration for those returning to Ghana, particularly in the face of considerable amounts of stigma. Coupled with the often traumatic experiences of detention, mental health issues upon return are prominent, with some clients isolating themselves as a result.

In the face of multiple challenges to resettlement, financial support is vital to help clients find stability, such as funds to study or set up a business. Our conversations with clients reaffirmed the value of Hibiscus’ support in helping clients to be able to rebuild their lives. Furthermore, staying in touch with clients is essential for building trust and enables us to empower our clients during their resettlement journey.

One of the critical elements of our trip to Ghana was to understand the lived experiences of individuals who have returned and are resettling in Ghana.

CASE STUDY 1: MISS C

As well as highlighting some of the mental health and isolation issues that can surround return, particularly during the initial stages. We are using a false name ‘Miss C’ to protect confidentiality and anonymity.

Miss C, a 24 year old woman from Nigeria, arrived in the UK as a student in 2019. She studied data analysis and ended up overstaying due to the pandemic. Miss C wanted to return home but was unaware of the return options available in the community. She decided to buy a flight ticket to Nigeria but was detained at Manchester airport because she had overstayed her visa.

Miss C was taken to the Derwentside detention centre, where we had our first engagement with her, and she informed us of her decision to return to Nigeria. Hibiscus then supported her to apply for voluntary return, liaise with the Home Office to speed up her return, and remained in contact with her in Sahara Unit at Heathrow IRC until her departure.

Miss C told Hibiscus that she did not have family in the UK or Nigeria and would be travelling from Lagos to Accra, Ghana to reunite with them. Despite her passport being in date with the Home Office, it took a total of six weeks to complete her return, during which she remained in detention. Hibiscus gave Miss A regular updates, reassurances and emotional support to try to alleviate her anxiety and frustration during her weeks of detention.

Miss C used her time productively with us to research her resettlement plan and decided on an IT course with IPMC IT training providers in Ghana. In order for her to be able to undertake this course, a laptop was required. Although we were not able to source a laptop, a contribution of £150 was made towards one.

This case study highlights some of the ways that focused support can assist returnees in finding their feet in Ghana,

Miss C believed that by undertaking this course, it would increase her chances of employment. She was also in need of a large suitcase which we were able to provide through a local community group in Durham.

Miss C’s return was coincidently around the time we were planning a trip to Ghana. Miss C was very happy to meet with us in Accra to further discuss her initial thoughts about her resettlement.

Miss C returned to Nigeria and immediately embarked on the journey to Ghana. She took a bus and travelled 13 hours to Accra to meet her family. She contacted Hibiscus during her return.

During the trip to Ghana, Hibiscus staff met with Miss C and her mother in Accra Ghana. They gave us some family information; having moved to Ghana in 2013, her father got a job as a researcher, whilst her mother looks after the home and does voluntary catering for the local church. Miss C is the eldest of four children and wanted to work hard to support herself and her siblings.

The team asked Miss C how she was adjusting on her return. Her mother said that she had been very depressed since her return to Ghana and had not left her room until our meeting. Her mother was pleased to see her communicate with us and laugh together. Miss C said that she stayed in her room because she was not mentally ready to talk to her mother about her difficult experiences in the UK. We encouraged her mother to give her some time, but she assured her daughter that she is there when she is ready to talk.

We discussed Miss C’s previous plan to enrol on a course that would help her get a job. She said that she would like support to buy a laptop and enrol for an online IT course and apply for a government programme to work for Vodafone Ghana. She believed doing this course would be helpful for her and her family.

We told Miss C that Hibiscus would support her with some funds for the laptop and gave her the £200 she needed for the laptop. Miss C appeared to be happy and her mother thanked us ‘for making her daughter smile’. Miss C promised to stay in touch with Hibiscus.

CASE STUDY 2: MISS T

Meeting with client in Accra, Miss T

Miss T is a young Ghanaian woman who entered the UK with a visitor’s visa in 2012 to attend the London summer Olympics. After the expiration of her visa, she was automatically rendered an over stayer. Miss T was detained from home after a visit from the Immigration enforcement team and was detained at the Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre pending her removal to Ghana.

Miss T engaged with Hibiscus Resettlement a few days after she arrived at Yarl’s Wood. She needed support in seeking further information on the circumstances surrounding her detention and removal from the UK. We introduced the Hibiscus Team and services that are offered in the centre. During our conversation, she disclosed that she had a partner who promised to support her with legal fees, family life application and bail. However she was unable to get in touch with her partner and was extremely distressed, telling us they had abandoned her.

Miss T disclosed that she had medical issues and was suffering from severe lower abdominal pain. She was referred to the NHS hospital in the community and diagnosed with fibroids and was due for surgery only a few days after her detention. The hospital could not perform the surgery and was given medication instead. Hibiscus referred her to healthcare for immediate healthcare support and was also referred to Wellbeing for emotional support.

Miss T returned to Hibiscus and was introduced to the resettlement opportunities. Hibiscus engaged her in lengthy interactions to ensure she was given appropriate support and guidance in the return planning stage. Miss T visited Hibiscus to discuss her business plan of opening an after-school club for children and teaching them fencing as she is a professional fencer.

Hibiscus staff advised her to find out about the sport in Ghana and the requirement, cost and discipline needed to become a Fencing instructor for children. Hibiscus conducted an assessment and provided her with funds to support her on her return.

On her return in 2018, she stayed with her sister who had agreed to accommodate her short term until she could find work. Miss T contacted Hibiscus, and informed us that the abdominal pain was unbearable, she went to the hospital and was told that she needed immediate surgery to remove the fibroids. She used her grant to pay for the surgery. She informed us that she can no longer be a fencing coach as hard movement causes sharp abdominal pains.

During the trip to Ghana, Hibiscus staff met with Miss T and her sister. She told us that her surgery went well, the scar has healed but she is not as active as she used to be. She moved away from her sister to a small town 5 hours from Accra, yet was still receiving some support from her sister.

She told us that life in Ghana has been difficult, she is not able to find a job because she is not educated to a higher level. She cannot do sport anymore and this causes her to be stressed and shy away from socialising.

Miss T told us that she wanted to start a mobile top up business, she had worked hard and gained a business certificate but lacks the funds to start the business. She informed us on the materials she needs to set up the business; a main chip to credit the network, a used phone for each network, a booth in an easy access location.

Hibiscus supported Miss T with £200 needed to buy these materials. Miss T and her sister thanked us for all the support and blessed Hibiscus for giving her the opportunity to be out in the community.

Hibiscus would like to see the progress of the business and support her with additional funds.

CASE STUDY 3: MS J

She showed interest in our resettlement support and voluntary return scheme; we helped in completing the application form and submitted it to the Home Office.

Ms. J told us that she was previously doing business in Ghana but had spent most of her money to sponsor her trip to the UK. She wanted to open a stall market or start a Gas supply business on returning to Ghana. Hibiscus advised her to do research to gain more knowledge on these specific businesses. Hibiscus conducted an assessment and contributed £150 to her business.

Ms. J thanks Hibiscus for the support, informing us that “the main support for me was the counselling service, somewhere I can talk to someone, so I do not go mad, because I was beginning to feel depressed. Thank you for being there. God bless you all”.

January 2019.

She was refused entry clearance and subsequently detained in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre. During our routine induction in the Welfare Office, Ms J approached the Hibiscus Resettlement team to solicit our usual support to seek further information on the circumstances surrounding her detention and options that are available to her given her circumstance. She hoped that we could support her as she had found her detention extremely traumatic. We guaranteed to provide our usual services to help support her.

Ms. J had travelled to visit her brother in the UK. The Border force believed her bank statement to be falsified, yet did not accept Ms J’s request to call the bank in Ghana to verify her information, instead refusing her entry, cancelling her visa and detaining her.

Hibiscus staff introduced their services to Ms. J, including the administrative review, legal representation, Voluntary return, and our resettlement support scheme. Ms. J told us that she does not want to stay in detention, she would rather return home as soon as possible as she feels that detention is prison.

During our trip to Ghana we met Ms. J and her younger brother in Kumasi, who were happy to see us. Ms. J told us that her brother who lives in the UK is going to seek Legal Advice to challenge the Home Office accusation of the false bank statement, as she would like to visit the UK again. Hibiscus advised her to get proper legal representation and make sure all information and process is clear and well understood.

Ms. J is coping well and thriving in the Gas supply business. She credits gas from the supplier and distributes it to bakeries and small restaurants in her Town in Obuasi. Ms. J informed us that she is saving her profits and investing them in the growth and scaling of the business. She has an ambition to one day become a supplier herself and help those in a similar situation to her. Hibiscus contributed £200 towards her gas business.

She expressed her gratitude for the grant and told us about the free catering she provides for the local church in her community in Obuasi. She said that she is helping as much as she can and meeting people within the community to advertise her gas supply business.

Ms. J is a 43-year-old woman from Ghana who attempted to enter the UK with a visit visa in

FINAL THOUGHTS

It was clear that most of the organisations were in precarious funding situations and that more government involvement is needed to support these organisations on the ground who have either the skills or lived experience to tackle these issues.

Through our trip to Ghana and our discussions with three of our clients, we were able to gain a deeper understanding into the challenges faced by migrants during detention, as well as the challenges experienced during their resettlement journey back to Ghana - both experiences which impact them in distinct, yet connected ways.

Through our conversations with organisations and clients, we established that stigmatisation was a key experience for any returnee to Ghana and that being accepted back into family life, communities and society was extremely challenging and complex.

These insights assert the critical need for support to help our clients rebuild their lives.

It was extremely useful to get to know the work of the organisations on the ground, who were proactive in fighting for change in a number of arenas: promoting women’s social and career development, providing mental health services and gender-based violence services. A number of the organisations were also active in spreading awareness of the risks associated with irregular migration journeys and the growing issue of trafficking.

Our trip to Ghana gave us a renewed understanding that despite Ghana’s relatively stable economy, there remains persistent levels of poverty and socioeconomic inequality which means that many individuals in Ghana seek livelihoods and opportunities abroad, particularly in Europe. For those trapped in the UK’s detention system, the Home Office should take into consideration the significant levels of stigma faced by returnees and the detrimental effect on their mental health and long-term resettlement. Although there are a number of organisations who can help returnees in Ghana, there is not enough targeted support at present and more funds and support are needed for those that do decide to voluntarily return to Ghana. Besides the support provided by IOM or FRS, there is a need for long-term funding and structured support for returnees, such as VRS. Rather than just giving returnees money, it would be more helpful to provide them with practical support to better manage their funds. For instance, they could receive ongoing support to avoid homelessness, since they may find themselves in a hotel for six months a year without any long-term solutions.

Clients may return for various reasons, and some of their issues may stem from and be triggered in the UK. Therefore, providing them with temporary financial assistance is not a long-term solution. Instead, it is necessary to implement a transitioned process with the same teams working to help returnees integrate and avoid the issues that caused them to leave in the first place.

The fact that we are able to provide our international resettlement work in detention and continue it overseas is testament to the positive impact we are having on clients’ lives. As a result of there being a scarcity of alternative support, our support network represents a lifeline for those seeking to rebuild their lives in Ghana.

Having celebrated our 35th anniversary in October 2022, Hibiscus has renewed its focus on migrant women trapped in the criminal justice and immigration systems.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A report written by Waseem Saghir with the support of the organisations on the ground, Seika Aziz and Rakie Ceesay who were present during the trip, as well as support from Kerry Smith and Esther Oke.

With thanks to:

The Home Office

All the staff of the following organisations:

CARITAS

The Light Outreach

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Migrant Watch

West Africa Behavioural Health Addictions and Recovery Management (WABHARM)

Alliance Against Illegal Migration (AAIM)

YMCA

Mentoring Women

The Ark Foundation

Caritas Ghana

Mind ‘N’ Health

And lastly our sincere thanks to all of our clients in Ghana.