Elusive Peace: Interrogating the ethnic conflicts in Ghana's north

Decades of constitutional and democratic rule in Ghana have put the nation on the pedestal as a stable and safe haven amongst West African countries. Refugees from war torn countries have sought sanctuary there. However, beneath this peace and harmony are continuing political and institutional structures that have led to the ethnic conflicts in the Northern region of Ghana. Between 1980 and 2002, the region witnessed 23 intra and inter-ethnic conflicts, bring untold hardship to millions of people with destruction of properties and infrastructure. There are at least forty theories as to the causes of ethnic conflicts. However, this book has the temerity to propose yet a few more. It examines the systematic neglect of the Northern Region dating from the colonial era, a practice which has barely changed since, resulting in acute lack of development, poverty, destitution and social exclusion. Using the DFID model for conflict assessment, the book examines the Structures, Actors and the Dynamics, of the ethnic conflicts in the Northern region of Ghana. It suggests governmental Responses and development of New Initiatives to achieve sustainable peace in the Northern Region.