conflict & communication online, Vol. 15, No. 2, 2016
www.cco.regener-online.de
ISSN 1618-0747

 

 

 

Patrick Osei-Kufuor, Stephen B Kendie & Kwaku Adutwum Boakye
Conflict, peace and development: A spatio-thematic analysis of violent conflicts in Northern Ghana between 2007 and 2013

This study provides in text and in maps the spatial and temporal dynamics of violent conflicts in Northern Ghana focusing on their structure, causes and status. Primary data was collected from identified conflict hotspots to validate secondary information collected from two national dailies. Conflict zones tended to be generally clustered in the eastern corridor of Northern Ghana due the high degree of heterogeneity of ethnic groups and the struggle for recognition and dominance amongst them. The causes of conflicts included ethnicity, chieftaincy, religion, politics, urbanisation, struggles over resources and the fight for recognition. Many of the conflicts recorded remain unresolved. Generally, mediation efforts have only succeeded in yielding short term stability due to emphasis on addressing the triggers rather than the issues under contention. For durable peace in northern Ghana, the government and civil society groups must pay greater attention to the structural factors that shape these conflicts. The National House of Chiefs must codify customs and practices and usages in relation to heirs to positions of authority. Land titling has to be expedited by the state to establish boundaries to reduce land related conflicts.

 

  englischer Volltext  
 

The authors:
Patrick Osei-Kufuor is Research Fellow, Institute for Development Studies, University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana.
Stephen B Kendie is Professor, Institute for Development Studies, University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana.
Kwaku Adutwum Boakye is Associate Professor, Dept of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana.

eMail: posei-kufuor@ucc.edu.gh
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