Elusive peace: Interrogating the inter-ethnic conflicts in the Northern Region of Ghana (Konkombas and Dagombas)

Abstract

Decades of constitutional and democratic rule in Ghana have put the nation on a pedestal as a stable and safe haven amongst West African countries. Refugees from the wars in Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone have sought sanctuary there. However, beneath this peace and harmony are continuing political and institutional Structures that have led to the ethnic conflicts in the Northern Region. Between 1980 and 2002, the region alone witnessed 23 intra and inter-ethnic conflicts, bringing untold hardships to millions of people with destruction of property and infrastructure. There are at least forty theories as to the causes of ethnic conflicts. However this thesis has the temerity to propose yet a few more. It examines the systematic neglect of the Northern Region dating from the colonial era, a practice which has barely changed since, resulting in acute lack of development, poverty, destitution and social exclusion. Using the DFID model for conflicts assessment, the thesis examines the Structures, Actors and the Dynamics of the ethnic conflicts in the Northern Region of Ghana. It suggests governmental Responses and development of New Initiatives (NIs) to achieve sustainable peace in the Northern Region. Finally it proposes areas for future research.