A Security Analyst, Dr Adam Bonaa is advocating for a localized approach to addressing conflicts within the country.
It follows widespread reports of nationwide violence that threaten to undermine Ghana’s recent peaceful progress.
These reports of violence have left residents in affected areas living in constant fear.
However, speaking on Starr Today with Tutuwaa Danso, Dr. Bonaa stated that unless conflicts are approached locally, they will continue to reoccur.
“We have over-centralized the fight against conflict in this country. As a result, we do not have a policy that addresses conflicts in a localized manner. For instance, we tend to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to conflict resolution, using the same methods in different contexts. This approach has failed in various instances. For example, the method used to resolve the Dagbon crisis is being applied to the Bawku situation, and the approach used in Bawku is being attempted in Anyensuano and Nkwanta South, with no success.”
“Some of us have argued that conflict resolution should be localized. If a conflict is not of national scale, the solution should also be local. Unfortunately, over the years, we have tried to impose a universal solution. I have called for a more tailored approach, and we have the national security policy document, which I believe is a good framework that can be developed further. However, have we assessed the key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in that document to determine if we can localize solutions effectively? We have yet to do that.”
“The Peace Council lacks the authority to enforce its decisions. It cannot hold anyone accountable. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is also under-resourced and incapacitated, making it difficult for them to educate local communities on past conflicts. Until these issues are addressed, we will continue to face recurring conflicts across the country. There needs to be a solution to this,” he added.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of the West African Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), Muqtar Mumuni Muqthar urged government to retrieve weapons in Bawku in order to deescalate tensions in the region.
Source: Ghana/Starr FM.com.gh/103.5FM/Benjamin Sackey
