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  Organisations  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