Lived experiences of street youth in Ashiaman Municipality of Greater Accra Region

Abstract

Ashiaman, one of the Municipal Assemblies in Greater Accra is being beleaguered by the problem of street youth. This study explored the lived experiences of street youth: paying particular attention to factors accounting for the phenomenon, experiences, risk factors of street life and the coping mechanism and resilience of street youth. The interpretive research approach was adopted and data were collected from 25 selected street youth through purposive sampling technique. Thematic analysis was conducted to explore the lived experiences of streetism. The phenomenon of streetism is thriving in Ashiaman due to social acceptance given to street youth. Many of the youth are also forced to the streets due to poverty so as to provide for their basic needs. Youth streetism has also gained grounds because these youth come under peer-influence. Recreational adventure also compels youth to the street to experience street life. The experiences of street youth in Ashiaman are full of challenges on meeting their basic needs of life. The risk factors of street living poses harm to street youth serving as a breeding ground for violent behaviors. Street youth are making efforts to address their challenges and risk factors. It is recommended that vocational training, reunion initiatives, and advocacy activities can help address the problem of street youth in Ashiaman.