Conflict and conflict management :A case study of Nkonya Alavanyo area in Ghana

Abstract

There are different ways in which conflicts can be handled. For any conflict handling mechanisms to be successful, people’s attitudes, behaviour and root causes or contradictions have to be addressed in the light of genuine commitments of all parties engaged in the peace process. Absence of such genuine commitments can result in serious challenges. The study was undertaken to examine the management mechanisms of the Nkonya and Alavanyo conflict in the Volta Region of Ghana. The study analyzes the management process with particular focus on the selection process of the mediation committee members, the mechanisms and approaches adopted by the mediation committee as well as the challenges that became associated with the mediation process. The research utilizes qualitative approach and purposive sampling methods. The study concludes that various conflict management mechanisms have been employed in the Nkonya-Alavanyo conflict. However, the conflict management processes imparted knowledge which gave more credibility to the Multi-Track Diplomacy theory of conflict management as the appropriate mechanism for this conflict. The study recommends that there is the need for intensive peace education in school curricular and in communities and this must be continuous since conflict management is not an event but a process. Conflicts having dynamic root causes or are protracted, need the involvement of all stakeholders in their management process.