Indigenous Conflict Resolution and Peace-Building among the Nabdam of Ghana

Abstract

Harmonious living is an essential ingredient for the progress of every society. This requires that conflicts which are a natural part of human life are amicably resolved when they arise. Largely, people have the options of resorting to the statuary courts system or indigenous approaches which are rooted in the customs and traditions of societies for the resolution of conflicts. This study examined the indigenous conflict resolution, peace-building and human rights among the Nabdam of Ghana using the descriptive design within the qualitative research paradigm. It involved thirty persons from the area consisting chiefs, elders, and individuals who have employed the approach in resolving their disputes. The instruments of interview, focused group discussion, and observation were deployed to gather data for the respondents. It emerged from the study that the Nabdam indigenous approach to conflicts resolution has four stages which are structured and followed to achieve peace-building and the recognition of human rights of persons involved in the process. It was therefore considered important for the indigenous approach to be strengthened and promoted by the government of Ghana in all societies in the country so as to achieve peace-building. It also emerged from the study that the Nabdam indigenous conflict resolution approach has no formal place for the involvement of women in its administration even though they were found to be effective in managing disputes especially those involving women. It was therefore concluded that women should be formally involved in the application of the approach.