Re-Examining Transitions to Adulthood among Young People Engaged in Informal Businesses in the City of Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Using a longitudinal qualitative methodological approach, the study observed the life course and businesses of young people in the city of Accra over the period 2010 to 2023. The study explores the extent to which business engagement in the informal economy among young people contributes to their transitions into adulthood, and the sustainability of these transition gains. Initial observations demonstrated that, many of the young people were able to achieve transition gains, such as, financial independence, afford rental accommodation, provision of support for family and external relations while some were able to enter into marital and cohabiting relationships. However, the sustainability of these transition gains were challenged over time by factors such as poor business performance, difficult economic conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes by calling for financial and advisory support to reinvigorate the businesses and sustain the transitions achieved in the life course of the young people.