“Who Cares?”: Experiences of Beggars with Disabilities on the Streets of Accra, Ghana

Background and Purpose: Globally, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are among the poorest and most disadvantaged groups in society. In developing countries such as Ghana, they face a myriad of challenges plunging them into the lowest strata of society. In the quest to survive, begging has become a vibrant informal economic activity across Ghanaian cities. Although begging among PWDs has become ubiquitous across the country, research on this phenomenon remains very limited. Underpinned by the Critical Disability Theory, this study sought to understand the reasons why PWDs engage in begging, the challenges associated with begging, and the support systems available to them. In line with Critical Disability Theory, which emphasizes giving persons with disabilities (PWDs) a voice, this study sought to gather suggestions from PWDs who engage in begging on how they could be supported to achieve sustainable livelihoods away from begging.

Methods: We explored the phenomenon of begging among PWDs using a qualitative method, particularly a phenomenological approach. We purposively sampled nineteen PWDs who beg on the streets of Accra. Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted individual in-depth interviews to examine the factors that were associated with their begging. Thematic analysis was conducted on transcribed interviews using Creswell and Creswell’s (2017) steps of qualitative data analysis. From these findings, we developed another semi-structured interview guide and recruited four key informants, who are heads of disability organizations, for individual in-depth interviews. All transcribed interviews were deductively coded, and themes were generated under the four research questions of the study.

Results: The findings of the study indicated that the collapse of businesses owned by PWDs and the struggle to survive amid limited resources to support themselves and their families were major contributing factors to begging. By begging on the streets, PWDs are exposed to the threat of being hit by vehicles, attacks from thieves, harassment from law enforcement, and disparaging attitudes from the public. The study also found that although PWDs received both formal and informal support from friends, family, donors, and the government, these forms of support were erratic and woefully inadequate to cater for their basic needs.

Conclusions and Implications: The study concludes with recommendations for the government, policymakers, and service providers to address the needs of PWDs who beg on the streets of Accra. The implications emphasize the need to reduce reliance on begging and to provide PWDs with more sustainable livelihood opportunities.