ETHNIC IDENTITY IN CRISIS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF CONFLICTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF BAWKU

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of ethnic conflicts and their devastating impact on inter-ethnic relationships and development. Ethnic conflicts have been fought over the years in many countries but Ghana has often been relatively peaceful but for the troubled spots especially in the North. The Bawku conflict is one of the 0 longest running ethnic conflicts in the country, yet in spite of its protracted nature, little research has been conducted on its ethnic dimensions and its consequences on the development. Thus this study is an inquiry into the ethnic dimensions of the conflict, and its impact on ethnic relationships and development of the Bawku area. Using survey and in-depth interviews, this research establishes that development and violent conflict are mutually exclusive. Evidence here show that perceptions regarding the ethnic dimensions of the conflict are fragmented along primordialist, instrumentalist and constructivist viewpoints and that inter-ethnic relationships are generally antagonistic and enigmatic. The study also shows that the conflict has generally impacted negatively on education, employment generation, health care access and delivery, family structures, social capital, and traditional leadership among others. It is thus recommended that stakeholders facilitate to provide durable peace there. Government and the security forces are urged to remain neutral to the conflict parties. The Assembly is challenged to ensure equitable allocation of development projects and the creation of jobs for the youth and support the departments and agencies to function properly. People there are enjoined to learn to tolerate, respect and coexist peacefully since they have more in common than that which divides them.