This text tries to determine what factors accounted for the emergence, escalation and protracted nature of the dispute between the Gonjas and the Nawuris. Moreover, it looks at the efforts that have been made to resolve the conflict and how they have been implemented. This also raises the questions of why the conflict remains intractable notwithstanding attempts made to resolve it and how the conflict can be settled for peaceful co-existence in the area.
Conflict is as old as the human society or human race. People have disputed and competed against one another over scarce commodities, land, power, resources, and ideology and sometime religion. Conflict in teams or in groups is inevitable. This means that at any point in time people are bound to disagree over issues.
There is no human ability that can predetermine the results of these conflicts. Conflict when not properly addressed may escalate to negative impacts which include civil war, better still if addressed, it can lead to positive relations geared towards development.
In view of this, Awedoba defined conflict as a clash of ideas, wills, interests or opinions a relationship between two or more parties that center on differences, disagreements, incompatibilities. Most of these conflicts are within state as opposed to interstate and often occur between ethnic groups.
Looking at conflict as a struggle or contest between people with opposing needs, ideas, beliefs, values, or goals, there is the need to examine the nature and type of conflict that existed at a particular place within a period of time. To this far, Corser describes conflict as "a struggle over values, claims to status, power, and scarce resources in which the aims of the opposing parties are not only to the desired values but also to neutralize, injure, or eliminate rivals". Most of these conflicts are ethnic in nature which makes people to see themselves as one with common interests and values thereby pushing further.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Thesis Statement
- Research questions
- Causes of the Gonja-Nawuri Conflict
- Compromise between the Gonja and the Nawuri
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This presentation aims to analyze the conflict between the Gonja and Nawuri people in Northern Ghana, focusing on its causes, attempts at resolution, and potential pathways to peaceful coexistence. The presentation does not aim to provide a definitive solution but rather to shed light on the complexities of this protracted conflict.
- The impact of British colonial legacy on inter-ethnic relations.
- The role of ethnic-based youth associations in fueling conflict.
- Land disputes as a primary driver of conflict.
- The challenges in resolving the conflict and achieving lasting peace.
- Potential strategies for compromise and peaceful co-existence.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by defining conflict and its various manifestations in human societies. It highlights the inevitability of conflict within groups and the potential for both negative (e.g., civil war) and positive (e.g., development) outcomes, depending on how it is managed. The chapter establishes the context of the study by emphasizing the prevalence of ethnic conflicts in Northern Ghana despite the country's overall reputation for peace. It specifically focuses on the Gonja-Nawuri conflict as a case study, underscoring its prolonged and alarming nature between 1991 and 1995 within the Kpandai district.
Causes of the Gonja-Nawuri Conflict: This chapter delves into the root causes of the Gonja-Nawuri conflict, primarily attributing them to the British colonial legacy of indirect rule. It argues that the artificial boundaries and policies imposed by the British exacerbated existing ethnic tensions and laid the groundwork for future conflicts. The chapter also highlights the impact of colonial education policies, which favored the Gonja over the Nawuri, creating disparities that fueled resentment and stereotypes. Further, the chapter points to the role of ethnic-based youth associations, often led by educated elites, in escalating conflict through the amplification of grievances.
Keywords
Gonja-Nawuri conflict, Northern Ghana, ethnic conflict, British colonialism, indirect rule, land disputes, youth associations, peacebuilding, compromise, inter-ethnic relations, Kpandai district.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of the Gonja-Nawuri Conflict
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Gonja-Nawuri conflict in Northern Ghana. It analyzes the conflict's causes, explores attempts at conflict resolution, and examines potential pathways towards peaceful coexistence. The analysis focuses on the historical context, particularly the British colonial legacy, and the role of various social and political factors.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
Key themes include the impact of British colonial legacy on inter-ethnic relations, the role of ethnic-based youth associations in fueling the conflict, land disputes as a primary driver of conflict, the challenges in resolving the conflict and achieving lasting peace, and potential strategies for compromise and peaceful co-existence.
What are the main causes of the Gonja-Nawuri conflict as identified in the document?
The document attributes the conflict primarily to the British colonial legacy of indirect rule, which exacerbated existing ethnic tensions. Colonial policies, including favoring the Gonja over the Nawuri in education, created disparities and resentment. Furthermore, the role of ethnic-based youth associations in amplifying grievances and escalating conflict is highlighted.
What is the document's approach to understanding the conflict?
The document aims to provide a thorough analysis of the conflict's complexities rather than offering a definitive solution. It sheds light on the historical, political, and social factors contributing to the prolonged nature of the conflict.
What chapters are included in the document?
The document includes an introduction, a section outlining the research questions and objectives, a chapter detailing the causes of the Gonja-Nawuri conflict, a chapter discussing attempts at compromise between the Gonja and Nawuri, and a conclusion.
What is the time period the conflict focuses on?
The document specifically focuses on the period between 1991 and 1995 within the Kpandai district.
What are the key words associated with this document?
Key words include: Gonja-Nawuri conflict, Northern Ghana, ethnic conflict, British colonialism, indirect rule, land disputes, youth associations, peacebuilding, compromise, inter-ethnic relations, Kpandai district.
What is the overall goal of the presentation?
The presentation aims to analyze the conflict between the Gonja and Nawuri people in Northern Ghana, focusing on its causes, attempts at resolution, and potential pathways to peaceful coexistence. It does not aim to provide a definitive solution but rather to illuminate the complexities of this protracted conflict.
- Citar trabajo
- Hamza Mohammed (Autor), 2018, The Conflict between the Gonja and the Nawuri in Northern Ghana, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/491939
