Land conflicts and human rights abuses in Ghana, a study of Nyanyano and Kokrobitey from 1979

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.