STREET BEGGING IN THE TAMALE METROPOLITAN AREA AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS ON BEGGARS CHILDREN IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This research is about the study of street beggars in the Tamale metropolis where some children are used as aides/guides. These aides are sometimes either the (beggars) biological children, children of relatives or hired for the purpose of begging. The study was carried out in the Tamale metropolis. The participants (respondents) in the study were beggars with aides (150), key informants from Tamale metropolitan Assembly and Department of children (3) and members of the public (almsgivers and non-givers) 20. The study is extensively qualitative in nature and data was analysed both manually (content analysis) and with the help of computer software (SPSS version 20). Purposive, sample technique was used to select respondents based on a specific purpose whiles convenience/accidental sampling techniques were used to select subjects who happens to be available, accessible and willing to participate. The study revealed that disability, poverty and cultural beliefs were the main underlying factors which compelled individuals to resort to begging. According to this study, beggars saw themselves as incapable and therefore deserved public sympathy (alms). Hired children accepted begging since they earned a living from it through the motivations and "payments". Children of relatives under the care of adult beggars enjoy fewer benefits as compared to biological children. From this study, not all almsgivers gave to improve a beggar's life but to solve their own problems. Non-almsgivers attested that beggars are a nuisance and so do not need any support since some of them own properties. The beggars in this study however reported that they are productive; able to cater for their children's education and enrolled others into vocational/apprentice trainings with complete support from begging.