Promoting Community-Based Conflict Management and Resolution Mechanisms in the Bawku Traditional Area of Ghana

Individuals and communities in the Bawku Traditional Area of Northern Ghana use different strategies to manage and resolve the conflicts they encounter in pursuit of their livelihoods. Choices include indigenous, exogenous, and endogenous mechanisms. This paper examines these choices and the determi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Peace research Vol. 43; no. 1; pp. 80 - 103
Main Authors: Akudugu, Mamudu A., Mahama, Edward S.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Winnipeg The Canadian Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies 01-01-2011
Menno Simons College
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Summary:Individuals and communities in the Bawku Traditional Area of Northern Ghana use different strategies to manage and resolve the conflicts they encounter in pursuit of their livelihoods. Choices include indigenous, exogenous, and endogenous mechanisms. This paper examines these choices and the determinants for choosing one conflict resolution mechanism over others. The basic data for the analysis was gathered from randomly sampled individuals, key informants, and groups in the area. The results showed that about 79 percent of people in the Bawku Traditional Area prefer endogenous mechanisms, known as Community-Based Conflict Management and Resolution Mechanisms (COBCOMREMs), and their reasons for this choice are similar. The paper recommends that stakeholders in the management of these conflicts incorporate the elements of COBCOMREMs in their peacebuilding efforts.
ISSN:0008-4697