Livelihood Strategies in Ghanaian Slums: The Case of Effiakuma in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis

Slums in Ghana like other parts of the world are resided largely by low income families and individuals. The Effiakuma slum in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis is resided mainly by low income groups because accommodation there is relatively cheaper. The residents engaged in several economic activities as strategies for their livelihoods. Using mainly the observation approach and interviews, it emerged that residents of the slum engaged in several ventures both legal and illegal for their livelihoods. These ventures include: spiritual healings, religiosity, fun centre operations, hotels and chop bar operations, barbering and kiosk businesses. Others include toilet and rubbish keeping, internet fraud, sexual services and contract, icon-ship following and alms seeking. The paper concludes with the observation that despite the low incomes by the residents, they are very industrious, and enjoy life to the fullest.