Border crossings and problems of Ghanaian emigration to Germany

There is an ongoing debate about the relationship between migration and borders. Migration and borders are becoming an important issue in academic discourse. Most studies had little to say about the relationship between borders and migration, as well as migrant experiences at the borders. This study seeks to establish the relationship between migration and border crossings in Ghana-Turkey-Germany Migration System. Also, the study specifically examined the migration and border crossing experiences and coping strategies of migrants. It ascertained the border management strategies and policies among the various countries. The study was qualitative guided by exploratory, descriptive, and contextual designs. Using purposive sampling techniques Thirty-six (36) Ghanaian immigrants in Turkey and Germany were selected for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among these selected Ghanaian immigrants to examine their border crossing experiences and strategies. The border crossings and migration experiences of Ghanaian immigrants were studied through the lens of Newman concept of borders as an institution and a process. Results show that borders are the major determining factor in migration discourse. The study finds a significant relationship between borders and migration. Migrant experiences at borders indicate that border management policies have an influence on the movement of migrants across the borders. Also, the researcher argues that the Ghanaian migration patterns and trends have witnessed some changes in recent times due to the border management policies at various borders. The findings of the study reveal that Ghanaian immigrants are faced with several challenges at the various borders during their migration process. However, the Ghanaian immigrants have adopted several coping strategies at the various stages of their border crossing and migration process. Keywords: Migration, Border crossings, Ghanaian immigrants, Turkey, Germany