THE EFFECTS OF THE 2002 DAGBON CONFLICT ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE TAMALE METROPOLITAN AREA OF GHANA

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of the 2002 Dagbon conflict on the development of Tamale Metropolitan Area. Ethnic conflicts including the Dagbon conflict have impacted negatively on the livelihood of the people in the area, especially in the Northern Region in general and the Tamale Metropolis in particular. In spite of its prolonged nature, there have been limited attempts to research on the effects of the Dagbon conflict. This work is an investigation into the dimension of the conflict and its negative effects on the development of Tamale Metropolis. Among the objectives of this study were to find out causes of the conflict, ascertaining the various resolution attempts, effects of the conflict on various socio-economic activities of the people, and prevention mechanisms in the area. Using questionnaires and interviews, the research shows that the conflict has affected development in the study area. The study also shows that the conflict has generally affected education, employment generation, heath care delivery, trade, farming, agriculture, family structures, social capital and traditional leadership among others. The study recommended that, various individuals, groups, stakeholders and government should provide lasting peace in the area. Government and the security agencies should maintain neutral to the conflicting parties. The Assembly should ensure unbias in allocation of development projects and the creation of jobs for all the youth and support the departments/organisations and agencies to function properly. People from both Abudu and Andani gates should learn to tolerate, respect and coexist peacefully since they have more in common than what divides them.