Chieftaincy Conflicts and Women in Ghana

Abstract

Even though Ghana is generally considered as one of the most peaceful countries on the African continent, the country has its fair share of problems. Of the many interrelated problems facing Ghana in the last quarter of the turbulent century, is the menace of ethnic and communal conflicts. Chieftaincy, which revolves around ethnicity, is generally considered as one of the major sources conflicts in Ghana. Chieftaincy institutions particularly in Northern Ghana is perceived as male institution. For women, this often implies continues marginalization, oppression and discrimination. Despite the fact that Ghana has adopted policies aimed towards gender equality, the increased role of chieftaincy poses a challenge particularly on issues concerning chieftaincy conflict resolution. There has been increased awareness globally on the impacts of conflicts on women and the contributions women can make in peace building. The United Nations Resolution 1325 addresses the disproportionate effects of conflicts on women and the need for women to be involved in all conflict peace-building efforts especially at the grassroot levels. However, there are limited studies on how women are actually affected by chieftaincy conflicts and the role they can play in resolving chieftaincy conflicts. This is what the study is set out to investigate. The study aims at addressing the role of chieftaincy in conflicts in Ghana. Primarily, the study is intend to promote women’s involvement in peacebuilding at the grassroot level. The research project concentrate on the Bawku East Municipality (BEM) as a case study. It draws on theories bordering on ethnicity, social conflict and gender perspectives.