Abstract:
This study was aimed at examining the development implications of the Kokwado
chieftaincy conflict in the Central region of Ghana. The study was a qualitative case
study. Using a sample of 26 purposively selected respondents, the study collected data
through interviews and focus group discussion. Data was collected on the nature of the
conflict, the resolution mechanisms employed so far and the development implications
of the conflict. The analysis of the data was thematic. The study unearthed that the
conflict was caused by a single factor: division and misunderstanding over succession
to the stool of Kokwado. The conflict is an intra-gate conflict; it is between members
of the same royal family. The study also revealed that the conflict was nonviolent yet
very difficult to resolve. The conflict is prolonged, has been difficult to resolve and
therefore protracted. The conflict has varied development implications. While affecting
the economic and health life of the community negatively, the social and cultural life
of the community seems to be ‘unaffected’. The study therefore recommended that
there is need to: sensitize the people on the need for peace and the effects of conflict on
the community’s development; put aside the court verdicts on the conflict; and employ
mediation as a mechanism to help the factions to talk-out and address their differences
in order to ensure peace, unity and stability in the Kokwado community. The study
contributes to knowledge by revealing that a peaceful chieftaincy institution is more
likely to attract and enhance development to and preserve the heritage of chiefdoms,
kingdoms and communities
Description:
A Thesis in the Centre for Conflict, Human Rights and Peace Studies,
Faculty of Social Sciences Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Human Rights, Conflict and Peace Studies)
in the University of Education, Winneba
APRIL, 2021