CONFLICT, ANTITHESIS TO DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF 1994/95 NORTHERN CONFLICT IN YENDI MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

The need for a systematic study and assessment of northern conflict on development, especially the role of conflict in depriving affected people of their life-sustaining basic human needs which include livelihood, food, shelter, health and protection is very important. This study is an assessment of how the 1994/95 northern conflict affected development and livelihoods of the people of Yendi Municipality. The 1994/95 northern conflict was fought between ethnic groups that regard themselves as the aborigines (Konkomba, Basari, Nchumuru and Nawuri) and others (Dagomba, Nanumba, Gonja and Mamprusi) that historically invaded and established their traditional kingdoms. These two groups are commonly known as minority and majority ethnic groups respectively. This research used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The two main sources of information were primary and secondary data and employed probability and non-probability sampling. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data. The study revealed that, inter-ethnic efforts to alter subject-ruler relationship and majority-minority complexes were the root causes of the 1994/95 conflict because these led to feelings of subjugation, loss of identity, oppression, extortion, and loss of political space. It was also established that poverty and elite involvement played a major role in the conflict. The effects of this conflict were massive destruction of socio-economic infrastructure, loss of lives and property, loss of livelihoods, displacement, negative effects on education and health, development partners and other professionals left the area, productivity was lowered and poverty and other social ills increased. There was disunity and social breakdown in families and communities, and resources meant for developmental projects were diverted to maintain law and order. It was also found out that there is still some level of undertone hatred, suspicion, disunity and mistrust between the majority and minority ethnic groups. The conflict exhausted the Municipal Assembly's common fund and the trickle down effects is still felt by the Assembly 20 years after the conflict. The study recommended that there is the need for collaboration of governments, and stakeholders to take bold decision and come out with a fair and transparent reassignment of land titles to all ethnic groups and ensure the inclusion of all ethnic groups in decision making. They should design a common agenda to prevent duplication of programmes to reduce livelihood vulnerability and strengthen affected people's capacity to manage post-conflict related shocks for poverty reduction and sustainable development.