Our PhD student and MIGRAWARE project member, Itohan-Osa Abu, met on Tuesday the 13th of June with other project members. The participants were from partner institutions including the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the Federal University of Technology Minna (Nigeria), Martin-Luther-University of Halle/Wittenberg, the German Aerospace Centre, Hɛn Mpoano (a non-profit organization), and the Ghanaian Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). They convened an insightful meeting in Accra with migration stakeholders from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), Ministry of the Interior Republic of Ghana, and Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority.
The latest insights on migration patterns in West Africa have been presented by the assistant project lead from the Martin-Luther-University of Halle/Wittenberg. A highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a novel Twitter methodology developed by DLR project members for mapping migration in the region, which was warmly received by the stakeholders. In addition to this innovative approach, the assistant project lead also shared insights from a comprehensive literature review of migration papers done by our PhD student. This review encompassed various aspects of migration in West Africa. It delved into the factors prompting migration, such as economic opportunities, conflict, environmental changes, and social networks. Additionally, it examined the origins of the migrants, giving insights into their socio-economic background.
The programme was further enriched with a series of riveting discussions designed to foster collaboration between MIGRAWARE and migration stakeholders in Ghana. This gathering signified a momentous stride in bridging the gaps among academia, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), research institutions, and governmental agencies. It showcased the power of a united front in tackling the intricate challenges and harnessing the opportunities tied to migration within West Africa.
Photo credit: Prof A. A. Okhimamhe
