Planning and Managing Migration Within the Framework of the Migration–development Nexus: A Content Analysis of Ghana’s National Migration Policy

Abstract

The relationship between migration and development, especially in Global South contexts, is debated in migration studies. Given the real or perceived gains and challenges of migration, countries are formulating and implementing migration policies (including regional agreements) to maximise or minimise youth migration, return migration, climate-induced migration and protect migration-associated human rights issues. However, there is currently no study that analyses the topic for a timely understanding of trends and issues that need urgent redress. Using Ghana’s National Migration Policy as a case study, this article examines the strategic priorities and focus of the document as it relates to the migration–development nexus. The content analyses demonstrate that the policy document focuses on maximising migration gains through remittances, brain circulation, diaspora engagements, transnationalism, return migration and gender mainstreaming while minimising the cost of migration through brain drain. Although the development-oriented nature of the policy document is intriguing, gaps exist that need readdressing to meet the development concerns of the twenty-first century. Notably, there is no recognition of contextual and structural forces that hinder development, no attention to left-behind families and a mismatch between policy intents and practical actions. To this end, recommendations are provided that could potentially address the gaps identified in the review. Overall, the formulation and promulgation of Ghana’s National Migration Policy should not be seen as an end in itself but rather as a starting point to effectively manage migration and development-related issues.