Relevance of indigenous conflict management mechanisms: evidence from Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo and Central Gonja Districts of Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract

The Northern Region is witnessing protracted and relapsed conflicts, and attempts at resolving these largely through Western models, particularly the formal court system have not been successful. As such, this study explores the relevance of indigenous conflict management mechanisms in restoring enduring peace in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study employed a multiple case study design. Data was collected from fortythree purposively selected respondents using interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The results from thematic and cross-site analysis revealed that indigenous mechanisms have features of inclusive participatory approach at all levels of the conflict leading to acceptable outcomes. The traditional mechanisms have proven to be immediate and meaningful, accessible, and affordable. The use of local languages is well understood by all parties and processes and procedure are well attuned to local needs as they produce quick justice for the people. The development of a comprehensive programme to incorporate aspects of both the indigenous and western-centred judicial structures for the purposes of legitimacy of management outcomes is proposed.

Cultural dynamics and conflict management: Evidence from Buipe and Bole chieftaincy conflicts in the Savannah Region, Ghana

“…These systems ensure the impartiality of third parties, provide transparency and accountability in procedures, and provide accessibility and speed in providing results. This concurs with Kwesi (2013) and Ibrahim et al's (2019) claim that parties to a conflict are urged to take an integrative (win‐win) strategy when conflict management techniques recognized the people's culture. That is, instead of using an adversarial, loser‐take‐all approach to conflict resolution, they adopt inquisitorial and restorative approaches.…”

“…The study recommended that cultural issues be adequately understood and addressed to avoid undermining peace negotiations. Similarly, Ibrahim et al (2019) explored the relevance of indigenous conflict management mechanisms in restoring enduring peace in the Northern Region of Ghana. Using Bunkpurugu‐Yunyoo and Central Gonja as the study districts, the results revealed that indigenous mechanisms based on the people's culture have features of inclusive, participatory approach at all levels of the conflict, which led to acceptable outcomes.…”

“…Unfortunately, the new political, social, and economic structures that came with colonialism have changed not only the dynamics of conflict management in Africa in general and Ghana in particular but have also usurped the power of these cultural institutions (practices, beliefs, and norms), exposing the ideals to criticism. The formal judicial system, committees of inquiry, imposition of curfews, and military patrols, which presently dominate conflict management measures in Ghana and particularly the Savannah Region, give little attention to the cultural dynamics of the underlying concerns of the conflict (Ibrahim et al, 2019). The negative aspects of conflicts triumph anytime these conflicts are taken to the formal law court for management (Ibrahim et al, 2019).…”

“…The formal judicial system, committees of inquiry, imposition of curfews, and military patrols, which presently dominate conflict management measures in Ghana and particularly the Savannah Region, give little attention to the cultural dynamics of the underlying concerns of the conflict (Ibrahim et al, 2019). The negative aspects of conflicts triumph anytime these conflicts are taken to the formal law court for management (Ibrahim et al, 2019).…”

Collaboration between traditional and central authorities in chieftaincy succession conflicts management in Ghana: Evidence from Bole traditional area

“…Goody (2018) believes this created the current stalemate in the Bole traditional area. Ibrahim et al (2019) observed that the modern history of Gonja has had no records of disagreement about who becomes the Yagbonwura. Succession disputes are rather pervasive at the divisional and sub-divisional levels ((GTC, 2019)).…”