NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN YENDI, NORTHERN REGION, GHANA'

Abstract

Yendi and its environs have been considered as conflict zones due to the volatile nature of the corridor. An overview of conflict management efforts have shown that, a number of NGOs, including Bang-gu-manga Integrated Rural Development Society (BIRDS), Ghana Developing Community Association (GDCA), Yendi Peace Centre (YPC) and Youth Empowerment for Life (YEfL) among others, have contributed in diverse ways towards the management of conflict in Yendi. However, for more than a decade of conflict management by NGOs, there has not been any empirical study to find out the role of NGOs in conflict management in Yendi. This dissertation therefore, sought to find out the role NGOs played, impact and alternative measures available to resolve the conflict in Yendi. The study uses qualitative analysis of the data collected from the field. Sampling technique were purposive and simple random sampling and data instruments were self-administered questionnaire, interview schedule and in-depth interview. The data was analyzed using both the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and manual. The study revealed that the role played by NGOs in the management of conflict included humanitarian interventions and sensitization on peace building. The study also revealed that the impact of NGOs activities on the people in conflict management included creation of jobs, and preaches on peace during Muslims Friday prayer sermons. Alternative measures included the performance of the funeral of the late Ya Na and the involvement of kings and queens in conflict management activities to resolve the conflict. The study recommends that, NGOs should synchronize their approaches of conflict management in their operations, focus on livelihood programmes that engage residents and build trust.