Conflicts in Northern Ghana: Search for Solutions, Stakeholders and Way Forward

Abstract

Ghana, compared to many other African nations, has been described as a peaceful and stable country. Nonetheless, there are several ethno-political and religious conflicts some of which have been ongoing in the country for several years. The conflicts could be broadly categorized as inter – and intra – ethnic conflicts. This paper gives an account of some of the major conflicts in Northern Ghana that have drawn national attention, most of which were/are violent. It examines the causes of these conflicts, some of which include the struggle for traditional power and supremacy, claims of ownership of land and politically and religious-motivated. While inter-ethnic conflicts are generally about sovereignty and claim to land, intra-ethnic conflicts are mostly about succession. The outcomes of these conflicts have made coexistence either very difficult in certain areas or even impossible. The analysis is based on a qualitative historical analysis of four case studies on the northern Ghana conflicts. Data were drawn from secondary and primary sources. Although earlier studies have taken this historical narrative form, it is also necessary to re-examine the cases on a comparative basis and to especially analyze the strategies that have been employed to manage, resolve or transform them. Understanding the dynamics of these interventions is necessary for the search for lasting peace. The paper also assesses the roles and involvement of major stakeholders in conflict management, resolution and prevention in northern Ghana and finally suggests a way forward.

KEY WORDS: Conflict, Ghana, Ethnic Conflicts, Power Struggle, Stakeholders