Abstract
The paper examines conflicts in Northern and Upper East regions of Ghana from the perspective of identity crisis in an ethnically heterogeneous section of the country. Notwithstanding the long periods of co-existence among the heterogeneous ethnic groups the melting pot effect has not emerged as attachment to primordial identity lines still prevail. This is most manifested between the traditionally acephalous societies and the chiefly societies. The relationship between these two societies has been antagonistic, especially as the acephalous societies seem to be besieged with identity crisis. The rejection of the chiefly hegemony is at the root of the identity conflicts. The cases examined in this paper illustrate two of such ‘wars of emancipation’ but with differential results. Whereas the Kusasi had been ‘successful’ in wrestling out of the chiefly hegemonic control of the Mamprusi, the Konkomba have not been all that successful against their antagonists. In both situations, however, the acephalous societies tend to slough off their past ‘anarchic’, systems to adopt and/or adapt the chiefly political culture. This adaptation has become the mode of assertion to redress the low social categorisation of the acephalous societies. It is concluded that observance of peace in two areas continue to be tedious as primordial cleavages are still alive. It is thus recommended, among others that the National Peace Council should work with stakeholders to sustain peace.
 Keywords: Identity, Conflict, Kusasi, Mamprusi, Konkomba
Highlights
Northern and Upper East regions of Ghana have gained notoriety for being conflict endemic parts of Ghana
The frequency and the level of destruction that is associated with the conflicts in these regions demand that we examine the problematic which such identity crisis pose to these societies
Whereas the Kusasis have been more successful in overturning the ethnic prestige table, the Konkombas notwithstanding the prolonged and destructive wars with the societies have not really succeeded in redeeming their lost aborigine rights
Summary
Even though a generic classification of ethnic groups can be made, it is worth adding that none of the ethnic groups in Northern Ghana is a homogeneous entity, as secondary lines of identity exist within them The existence of these cleavages produce various levels of intensity of fissional forces that do manifest in the form of inter – and intra – ethnic conflicts. In the 1994 war between the Konkombas and the Nanumbas, the conflict went well beyond the territoriality of the two ethnic groups to virtually engulf the eastern part of Northern Ghana This was the case because cognate ethnic groups like the Dagombas and the Gonjas quickly submerged their own differences to ally with the Nanumbas against their common foe, which the acephalous Konkombas represent. The trivial is given hyperbolic import and interpreted as a threat to the collective security and selfhood of a group
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