Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, a member of Parliament for Offinso North and the immediate past CEO of T-VET, has spoken out against the rise of tribal conflicts in Ghana and offered suggestions for how the country can overcome the challenge.
He explained that tribal warfare in Ghana has increased over time, particularly over land ownership, chieftaincy title, resource provision, and political affiliations.
He stated that these conflicts occur in Bawku in the Upper East Region, Nkwanta in the Oti Region, and various parts of the Northern, Bono East, and Volta Regions, resulting in deaths, property damage, displacement of people, and disruption of economic activities.
Dr. Asamoah went on to say that these conflicts have far-reaching consequences that go beyond the immediate humanitarian toll; they undermine social cohesion, foster mistrust among communities, and impede joint development in affected areas.
He revealed that these conflicts also draw down national resources, with significant funds shifted toward ensuring security and rebuilding devastated infrastructure.
The lawmaker revealed that underlying these conflicts are historical grievances, ambiguous borders, political meddling, and failure of conflict management mechanisms, which include, as aforementioned, a lack of holistic policies on the socio-economic disparities, which is a driving force behind these disputes. This adds up to the issue, and as a representative of the people, Parliament needs to act urgently, as the problems can only be solved collaboratively.
Strengthening Local Governance and Traditional Authority entails empowering and equipping traditional leaders, regional and district security councils, and other local stakeholders with the tools and resources required for peaceful conflict resolution.
He also suggested that clear and enforceable guidelines be established to resolve land disputes and chieftaincy disagreements.
Establishing early warning and response systems, as well as a robust system for detecting and responding to potential flashpoints, could all help to address the issues.
”The use of technology, community participation or engagement, and intelligence gathering would help to prevent any escalation since more efforts to educate citizens about the harmful effects of tribal land and promote the values of unity, tolerance, and coexistence through civic education and media campaigns could help greatly to maintain peace within these conflict areas in the country.
The legislature never left out the economic challenge of these areas, where many of these conflicts stem from a lack of economic opportunity and competition over scarce resources, and if Parliament seizes this opportunity to invest in the underlying causes of these conflicts, infrastructure development, job creation, and equitable resource distribution, then Ghana can start to make headway on the underlying causes of these disputes.”
“Reviewing and Strengthening National Policies: The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (now the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs) must be funded to diversify its operations; it should act more proactively in conflict situations.”
Dr. Kyei Asamoah advised that there is the need to reform our laws on land administration and succession to traditional titles to meet modern realities.
“Involving religious and civil society organisations can help mobilise social actors and promote peace since their involvement will enhance the credibility and neutrality of efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.”
By: Boshyeba K. Afriyie/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
