Conflict in Northern Ghana appears to be increasing in amplitude and frequency and its effects are getting more devastating. It is the view of this book that The Government of Ghana and civil society organisations involved in aspects of conflict management have approached peace issues in the region with an inadequate understanding of the local issues that divide and unite the people, or using sufficient resources to pre-emt conflict. In 2003 The Mole V summit was held in Damongo to discuss strategic directions for comprehensive development and poverty reduction in Northern Ghana as a mechanism for supporting conflict management. It is the aim of this publication to contribute to the proposed plan by suggesting past and current conflict management resources and mechanisms which could be employed. The suggestions are informed by surveys, which are oulined in the book, of particular conflicts in the three northern Regions of Ghana between 2006 and 2008 - their histories, causes and efforts and their resolution.

Identifies 'backwardness', social segregation, elite manipulation and mass demand for change as the main causes of ethnic conflict.

This volume makes a vivid and thorough discussion on ethnicity in Africa in terms of history and the management, resolution and prevention of conflicts. The book walks the reader through some examples of ethnic conflicts to prove the universality of ethnic complexities, and cogently advises against any moral and scholarly withdrawal from issues concerning African ethnicity. It also examines efforts ranging from diplomacy, mediation, arbitration, and enforcement to forceful intervention. The discussion commends these efforts but stresses that conflict prevention is the better means of addressing conflict issues in Africa and elsewhere.