Child Begging as an Imprint of Child labour in Dagbon of Northern Ghana, the Perspectives of Mallams and Parents

Abstract

The existence of begging in Ghana is a historical phenomenon.  In the past, it was interpreted in religious and geographical terms where the beggars in the capital city of Accra were said to be destitute Muslims coming from the northern sector of Ghana due to the poverty situation in the area. This study looks at the position of Islam on begging. It also highlights the good ways of raising a child in Dagbon and why parents send their children to beg. Two research instruments, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews are used to explore the perspectives of mallams and parents regarding child begging in Dagbon. Our study shows that though Islam is against begging according the mallams, there are exceptional circumstances under which a person can beg, creating a paradoxical situation. Though measures are put in place to curb the incidence of begging, the parents opined that it is part of the religion. Islam establishes measures aimed at cushioning the destitute among the Muslim population, but there are no clear cut guidelines regarding the collection, identification of potential beneficiaries and the distribution of available assistance to the needy at both national and regional levels. The lack of common national treasury for the Muslim population also contributes to the begging problem among Muslims in Ghana