Factors that Hinder Effective Conflict Management in Ghana: Evidence from Asante Akyem North District

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the factors that hinder effective conflict management in Asante Akyem North District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The Population of the study included leaders of the various conflict management groups/individuals who have been involved in forestalling peace in Agogo in Asante Akyem North District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The case study design was adopted for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select all the twelve (12) participants for this study. The main instrument used for data collection for the study was an interview guide. The study revealed that the conflict between the farmers and the nomads in the Agogo could only be dealt with if there is no political power backing Fulani herdsmen in the enclave of Agogo. The study also concluded that the Fulanis have been able to defy the orders of the court by not withdrawing from the Agogo area. It is also recommended that the Government of Ghana and traditional authorities in Agogo State should be firm and fair in the management and implementation of court decisions with regard to the farmer-nomad conflict of Agogo. The politicisation of farmer and nomad conflicts, in particular, is thwarting efforts at forging cooperation and resolution of the conflict.