More Kayayei For Kumasi

THE NUMBERof head porters, popularly known as ‘Kayayei,’ in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital, has increased significantly in recent times.

The head porters could be seen in areas such as Adum, Kejetia Bus Terminal, Alabar, Central Market and Dr. Mensah Area.

The young head porters migrated from the northern part of the country to Kumasi in search of greener pastures. Sadly after carrying the loads, these young head porters are paid paltry amount of money by the customers.


The head porters face many challenges and they do not have access to accommodation and proper healthcare.

The head porters, who pleaded anonymity, complained about the dangers they face each day when they sleep in front of stores in the city at night.

They said some unscrupulous men also rape some of them in the night, resulting in pregnancies. “Getting access to healthcare is also a major challenge, we seek treatment at drug stores.

There is no hope for us in the North so we decided to travel to Kumasi to earn a living,” they said.
They appealed to government to consider the interest of head porters since they also pay taxes to ensure development.