Communal Conflicts in Ghana: A Case Study of the Dagbon Conflict

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue I, January 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Communal Conflicts in Ghana: A Case Study of the Dagbon Conflict

Winfred Kanda

Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Ghana

Abstract:-The main purpose of the study was to examine the Dagbon conflict as a type of Communal Conflict in Ghana. A descriptive survey was used for the study based on qualitative research method. Purposive sampling method was used to collect data. Data was also sourced from books and journal articles. The study revealed that there was non-adherence to the laid down succession plan, political interference and socio-economic problems as the main causes of the Dagbon Conflict. Also, output of productivity was affected badly. Even though there is relative peace, there is still tension between the leadership of the Abudu and Andani gates after several mediation efforts were used to maintain peace. The study therefore recommended that, politicians should desist from meddling in the traditional affairs of Dagbon Kingdom; government should create an enabling environment for investors to invest. The government and traditional authority of Dagbon Kingdom should organize the performance of the final funeral rites of the late chiefs to pave way for the selection and enskinment of the new Ya Na and finally leadership of the two gates should come to agreement and bury their differences in the interest of peace.

Keywords: Conflict; communal conflict; conflicts in Ghana; and Dagbon conflict.

I. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The continuous deteriorating socio-economic conditions as well as unstable political environment in most African countries have been a source of worry to African leaders (Gati, 2008). These socio-economic conditions as well as unstable political environment have been attributed to ethnic and communal conflicts, among others. The conditions have destabilized many peaceful countries in Africa leaving serious consequences including political, social, economic and humanitarian problems (Ahiave, 2013). Countries such as Nigeria (1967), Liberia (1990), Somalia (1991), Sierra Leone (1998), Rwanda (1994), Cote d’ Ivoire (2002) among others have been the most affected (McGowan, 2005). According to Alimba (2014) the causes of these communal conflicts have explanation in colonialism, politics, greed, inequity, corruption, injustices and leadership problems.

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