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Background <p>The phenomenon of child begging has emerged as a visible and deeply troubling aspect of urban poverty worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Rooted in chronic child poverty and economic insecurity, this practice disproportionately affects vulnerable children. Although several studies have examined child begging in Ghana, few have examined children’s perspectives, and even fewer have focused exclusively on children’s perceptions of street begging. This study examines the experiences of child street beggars in inner-city Accra, Ghana, focusing on their living and sleeping arrangements, daily activities, and future aspirations.</p> Methods <p>This study used secondary qualitative data of 46 child street beggars in Accra. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to capture children’s narratives and experiences.</p> Results <p>Findings reveal that some child street beggars lived with their parents, while others lived with peers, siblings, or alone. Child street beggars living conditions were characterised by housing insecurity, poor sanitation, and heightened exposure to abuse. Despite these challenges, many child street beggars expressed aspirations to return to school, acquire vocational skills, or achieve economic self-reliance.</p> Conclusions <p>The study underscores the need for comprehensive, child-centred interventions that address structural poverty, strengthen child protection systems, and expand access to education and vocational training. Incorporating children’s voices is essential for developing effective and humane policy responses to child begging in urban Ghana.</p>

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Experiences of child street beggars in inner-city Accra, Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月2日

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  • Sylvester Kyei-Gyamfi,
  • Frank Kyei-Arthur,
  • Joseph Kwatsenu,
  • Abigail A. Tetteh-Yankey,
  • Joseph Martey Otchere,
  • Kelvin Kwaku Aduful,
  • Maame Adwoa Nyame Sam,
  • Kingsley Osei-Owusu,
  • Prince Boamah Abrah,
  • Abena Dufie Akonu-Atta,
  • Sena Owusu-Gibson,
  • Godwin Appiah-Kubi

摘要

Background

The phenomenon of child begging has emerged as a visible and deeply troubling aspect of urban poverty worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Rooted in chronic child poverty and economic insecurity, this practice disproportionately affects vulnerable children. Although several studies have examined child begging in Ghana, few have examined children’s perspectives, and even fewer have focused exclusively on children’s perceptions of street begging. This study examines the experiences of child street beggars in inner-city Accra, Ghana, focusing on their living and sleeping arrangements, daily activities, and future aspirations.

Methods

This study used secondary qualitative data of 46 child street beggars in Accra. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to capture children’s narratives and experiences.

Results

Findings reveal that some child street beggars lived with their parents, while others lived with peers, siblings, or alone. Child street beggars living conditions were characterised by housing insecurity, poor sanitation, and heightened exposure to abuse. Despite these challenges, many child street beggars expressed aspirations to return to school, acquire vocational skills, or achieve economic self-reliance.

Conclusions

The study underscores the need for comprehensive, child-centred interventions that address structural poverty, strengthen child protection systems, and expand access to education and vocational training. Incorporating children’s voices is essential for developing effective and humane policy responses to child begging in urban Ghana.