Migration Dynamics and Youth Neet in Ghana: A Gendered Analysis

jonas Dzeble, Regional Institute for Population Studies
Donatus Yaw Atiglo, University Of Ghana
Mumuni Abu, University of Ghana
Samuel Codjoe, University of Ghana

Youth disengagement, characterized as not in education, employment, or training (NEET), is a critical development issue for sub-Saharan African countries to harness the demographic dividend. Understanding the role of demographic dynamics, particularly migration, in influencing NEET status is imperative for designing and implementing policies and interventions. This study examines how migration status affects youth NEET in Ghana from a gendered perspective with data from the 2022 Ghana Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey. Three logistic regression models were run to examine the influence of migration on NEET. Long-term and return-migrants are less likely to be NEET than non-migrants. Among females, long-term migrants exhibit a lower likelihood of NEET status compared to non-migrants but among males, only return migrants have a decreased likelihood of NEET status. These findings emphasize the nuanced gendered relationship between migration and NEET status. Further research should inform evidence-based policy to leverage youth migration to reduce NEET.