‘Kayayo’mother of triplets in desperate fight for survival in Accra slum

A 21-year-old mother of triplets, Alimatu Ibrahim Sadia, is struggling to survive on the streets of Accra after allegedly being abandoned by the father of her children and left without family support.

Alimatu, originally from Tamale in the Northern Region, currently lives with her three children in a makeshift shelter within a slum community near the Agbogbloshie Yam Market in Accra, where she faces daily hardship in her attempt to survive.

With no steady job or source of income, the young mother now depends on begging from passersby to feed her one-year-six-month-old triplets.

“I beg people for money so I can buy food for my children,” she told Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG).
According to her, the father of the children, identified as Sulemana Baba, a small-scale farmer, has not provided any financial support since the children were born. She also claims she has received no help from his family.

Alimatu says she has also been left without support from her own family. Her mother is deceased, while her father reportedly lives far away with his new wife, leaving her to care for the children alone.

Life, she explains, has become extremely difficult as she struggles daily to provide food and basic needs for her children. When asked whether she is able to feed them every day, she simply replied, “Just a little.”

Despite her situation, Alimatu says she has not given up hope. She dreams of starting a small business that will help her become financially independent and take care of her children with dignity.

“I need help so I can do something to take care of my children,” she said.

Her story reflects the difficult realities faced by many young women who migrate from northern Ghana to Accra in search of better opportunities but end up battling poverty in informal settlements. It also highlights the struggles of many vulnerable kayayo/kayayei migrants in the city.

Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) is appealing to government agencies, NGOs, philanthropists, corporate organisations, faith-based groups, and individuals to support Alimatu and her triplets.

The organisation says support such as food, clothing, healthcare, shelter, education for the children, and vocational training or startup capital for the mother could help change their situation.
Anyone willing to help can contact Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) on +233 (0)244 424 699 or email hrrghana@gmail.com.