CONFLICT PREVENTION STRATEGIES OF STATE AND NONSTATE ACTORS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA FROM 1992 TO 2012

ABSTRACT The study explored the conflict prevention strategies of state and nonstate actors in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study employed qualitative strategy of inquiry. The study population included members and staff of the four institutions selected for the study (National Peace Council (NPC), Regional Security Council (REGSEC), West Africa Network for Peacebuilding in Ghana (WANEP-Ghana), and traditional authorities). Purposive sampling techniques were employed to sample 30 respondents for the study. Both primary and secondary data were used. Unstructured in-depth interview guides were used in interviewing the respondents. The constant comparative analysis was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that both state and non-state actors played a pivotal role in conflict prevention in the Northern Region. They employed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, use of mediation, appeals, legal action/court system and the deployment of military and police forces. The strategies used in conflict prevention included: effective targeting of various stakeholders, the broad base grassroots approach, evidence-based approach, meetings with the various groups, capacity-building workshops, seminars, visitations at the individual and community level. These strategies collectively or individually were used in preventing conflicts in the Northern Region by state and non-state actors. It was recommended that Government and Nongovernmental Organizations interested in peace and conflict prevention should provide appropriate support to the state and non-state actors to enable them play their role in conflict prevention in the Northern Region effectively