International Conflict Resolution: The Role of the Government of Ghana and Togo on the Wenchiki-Chereponi Chieftaincy Conflict

Abstract

The article examined the Chereponi-Wenchiki Conflict and the role of Togo and Ghana's governments in managing the conflict and its effects on the two countries. The social identity theory provided the theoretical lens into issues of ethnicity, culture and ancestral connection to the geographical area. A qualitative research design was used to gather data from interviews in some communities in Togo and Ghana. This was necessary to solicit the views, and opinions of the people in the two countries on three main themes namely the causes of the conflict, the role of governments and the effects of the conflict. The study found that chieftaincy and land constituted the main causes of the protracted conflict. It was found that the government of Ghana was mainly responsible for managing the conflict while the government of Togo only collaborated with in managing the conflict. Many lives and properties were lost, social disruptions and separation of families and clan members, disruption of the economic and social livelihood of the people, the new unfortunate norm of two chiefs in communities in the Chireponi-Wenchiki area because of overlapping roles and the influence of traditional councils and the influence of Dagbon Kingdom were found to the key effects of the conflict. The study concludes that the key influencers of the conflict are money and politics and relations among the factions has gone sour. It, therefore, recommends the need to depoliticize the conflict and strengthen the chieftaincy institution in the area for lasting peace.