INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCE RESEARCH
IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY

This study aims to discover the triggering events leading to the migration and social problems of returnee ‘Kayayei’ in Zebilla, Ghana. The study used a qualitative research methodology and a constructivist research paradigm. All of the female returnees "Kayayei" in Zebilla, make up the research population. Eleven young women, known as "Kayayei," who had returned from places like Kumasi and Accra comprised the study's sample. Snowball and purposeful methods of sampling were employed to choose study participants. The instrument used for the study was a semi-structured interview. The qualitative data collected from the interview were recorded, translated, and transcribed verbatim, and names that were not their real names were assigned. Data was analysed thematically. The study revealed that triggering events leading to the migration of Kayayei from Zebilla were a lack of job opportunities, outmoded cultural practices, peer group pressure, family pressure, and conflict. The study further revealed that the social challenges faced by returnee Kayayei were outmoded cultural practices, poverty, and black magic/juju. The study recommended that Bawku West District Assembly should enact bye-laws to modify some aspects of their outmoded cultural practices, such as early/forced marriages within the district. This will go a long way in helping the returnee “Kayayei” to reintegrate successfully. Additionally, as part of its programme to reduce poverty, the government should designate a specific area for the creation of jobs in the northern region of the nation, where these young women migrate from. This programme should concentrate on improving the viability and sustainability of the shea nut factory, giving these young women the opportunity to find employment there.