Abstract:
The purpose of this research was to explore the understanding of the students and
school administrators about conflict resolution, the sources of conflict and the
mechanisms used by the students and school administrators of the selected public
senior high schools in the Upper West region of Ghana in the resolution of conflicts.
The study was approached qualitatively and designed as a case study. A total of fifteen
(15) participants were selected for the study. Data were collected through in-depth
interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that
participants understand conflict resolution as a process or steps taken to resolve or
settle misunderstandings and disagreements between two or more people or parties
with the view of ensuring peaceful co-existence between the opposing parties. The
study unearthed that inappropriate behaviour, role performance, ineffective
communication, distribution and scarcity of resources, appointment and promotion of
staff, religion and tribalism were the sources of conflict identified in the selected
public senior high schools in the Upper West region of Ghana. Also, the study
revealed that the school disciplinary committee system, mediation, negotiation,
reconciliation, issuing of queries, and the Students Representative Council (SRC)
judicial and prefectorial boards were the mechanisms used in resolving conflicts in the
selected senior high schools. The study recommended that school administrators of the
selected public senior high schools in the Upper West region of Ghana should enhance
effective communication and keep communication channels open between them,
students and teachers at all times. Communication should be devoid of ambiguities;
thus, the free flow of communication should be ensured for easy detection of conflict
or dispute before it escalates.
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