The Lockdown Experience: Narratives From Ghanaian Adolescents

In sub-Saharan Africa, social crises that affect young adolescents are common phenomena; however, crises of worldwide proportions as the COVID-19 pandemic with its attendant lockdown are uncommon. This study is an exploration of Ghanaian adolescents’ COVID-19 lockdown experiences through narratives via informal letters from 12 and 13-year-olds. Five overarching themes: education, friendships, family socio-economic life, social functions, and spirituality, were identified to be the major concerns of Ghanaian adolescents. The themes depict adolescents’ psychosocial occupations in relation to both the negative and positive effects of the pandemic. This study concludes that, despite the devastating effects on personal and social lives, Ghanaian adolescents identified ways of making new learning exploits. Their narratives also revealed gaps in their lives that need attention.