Abstract:
This study which is purely qualitative examined the extent to which the Nyanyano and
Kokrobitey land conflict has undermined human rights of the people of the two
communities. Sixteen (16) study participants were sampled via purposive and snowball
sampling techniques for the study. Face-to-face interview, personal observation and
documentary review were used to gather data. Data collected was analyzed using
thematic and content analysis as well as narratives (verbatim quotes). This study revealed
that there is unresolved land conflict between these two towns, which is due to the refusal
or unwillingness of one party to adhere to the findings of Stool Lands Boundaries
Settlement Commission of 1984. The conflict is said to be historical, intractable and
cyclical, violent and volatile in nature. This defiance has led to further encroachment and
subsequent clashes between the ethnic groups. In recent times, actions of successive
governments to create administrative political boundaries and failure and lackadaisical
approach of state and law enforcement agencies has rekindled the conflict. The violated,
had suffered arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions in police cells; loss of life and
properties; assaults and brutalities; torture and displacements, and deprivation of right to
education. These acts constituted the abuse and violation of their human rights. The
communities and government institutions have adopted a relaxed approach to manage
and resolve the conflict, and to protect loss of life and property. It was recommended that
the Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the conflict areas should
liaise with the communities, Ghana Police Service, and other state institutions to educate
or sensitize the feuding communities on the need to manage and resolve the conflict; and
to adopt the campaign on zero tolerance for land conflict.
Description:
A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION, FACULTY
OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE
STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF
PHILOSOPHY (HUMAN RIGHTS) DEGREE.
JULY, 2015