Culture and conflict transformation of protracted social conflicts in ghana: the case of the alavanyo-nkonya conflict

Abstract

The Alavanyo--Nkonya conflict is a century old due to the failure of conflict resolution mechanisms over the years particularly, the formal court system. The protractedness has been attributed to the liberal peace mechanisms that are external to the indigenous ways of the African. This study explored the use of culture and conflict transformation mechanisms for restoring durable and sustainable peace in the Alavanyo-Nkonya case. A qualitative case study design was used involving 23 key informants purposively selected and interviewed while 30 participants were conveniently selected for five focus group discussions. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that both ethnic groups have their defined groups based on ancestry and histories that differentiate them. The two histories place the ethnic groups in the area at different times and the Alavanyo allude to the Nkonya arriving before them. The study found the conflict has transformed from a resource conflict to an ethnic conflict subsequently shifting the focus from land to deep-rooted identity-based issues and firstcomer and latecomer claims that have dominated the issues around the conflict. The mechanisms that were deployed to restore durable peace lacked context and application as they were mostly Western or hybridized with a few traditional ones which were not fully implemented. Culturally-informed, contextual and indigenous mechanisms established the longest peace period and led to some transformation of the conflict although the conflict relapsed due to inconclusive implementation of the mechanisms. The study concludes that indigenous strategies and mechanisms are sidelined and not effectively applied, therefore, requiring a conscious effort towards the use of these which need to be a sustainable part of the peace mechanisms and attempts. Nonetheless, the indigenous mechanisms have proven to be meaningful, accessible, and affordable. Deep-rooted identity issues that underlie the conflict must be considered besides the focus on land. Therefore, the National Peace Council, West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), the government and the traditional councils of both ethnic groups should develop comprehensive mechanisms that integrate indigenous ways and cultural practices of the parties for an effective transformation and to legitimise the culturally-informed conflict transformation processes.