Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the migration patterns of two ethnic groups in southern Ghana, the Akuapems from the Akan tribe located in the Akuapem West district and the Ada/Dangme’s from the Ga-Adangme ethnic group located in the Dangme West District. The paper discusses how ethnic identity influences patterns and utilisation of remittances in sampled migrants’ home districts. Data from a Questionnaire survey, interviews and focus groups meetings informs the study. The results of the study indicate a strong relationship between patterns, practices and utilisation of remittances and the respective norms and social values embedded within the migrants’ tribal identity. The research also shows that tribes with strong internal cohesion and less assimilation remit more than those from more ethnic heterogeneous groups. Again, migrants from matrilineal tribes from this study, remit more than those of patrilineal tribes. Ethnic values also shape the type of investments that migrants and their families pursue.