Understanding the causes and dynamics of conflicts in Ghana: Insights from Bawku Traditional Area

Abstract

A Conflict can be resolved when there is an adequate understanding of its  causes. The objective of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the  contributory factors of the Bawku chieftaincy conflict as a case study and explore  the lasting solutions to the conflict which contributes to the political, cultural,  and socio-economic development. The study surveyed 200 householders using systematic and snow-balling in five spatial locations in the Bawku Traditional  Area. Subsequently, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the Traditional  Authorities, the Police, and the Belim-Wusa Development Agency to verify the  claims made in the survey and to obtain further insights into the conflict. The  responses obtained from the interviews were analyzed for patterns and themes and used as narratives in the work. The geographical location and socio-economic  activities such as population growth, farming, and poverty have made the Bawku  Traditional Area more prone to persistent conflicts. Again, other contributory  factors included; political interference, freedom from fear, a proliferation of small  arms, and inadequate access to social services. The empirical findings support the  proposition that political interventions sowed the seed of the Bawku conflict. The  study recommended that the National Peace Council should organize a workshop  to educate the political parties on the need to stay away from chieftaincy matters.