Ethnic Supremacy Fuels Ghana's Gonja-Brefo Conflict, Expert Warns
Senior peace expert reveals ethnic supremacy, not land disputes, drives Ghana's Gonja-Brefo conflict. Expert panel highlights urgent need for improved conflict prevention and resolution strategies.
Peace expert Dr. Kaderi Noagah Bukari discusses ethnic tensions at University of Cape Coast panel discussion
A senior peace and security expert has revealed that the ongoing Gonja-Brefo conflict in Ghana stems from deep-rooted ethnic supremacy issues rather than mere land disputes, highlighting broader challenges in Ghana's conflict prevention efforts.
Beyond Land Disputes: The Root of Conflict
Dr. Kaderi Noagah Bukari, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cape Coast's Department of Peace Studies, emphasized that ethnic tensions are driving the current unrest, similar to how political polarization has fueled conflicts in other regions.
"Brefos and Gonjas have enjoyed peaceful coexistence for years. Such conflicts that claim lives and destroy property are disheartening. Upon thorough analysis, the underlying cause is ethnic supremacy," Dr. Bukari stated during a GBC Radio Central panel discussion.
Arms Proliferation and Regional Security
The expert highlighted alarming trends in firearms availability across northern Ghana, connecting it to broader regional instability. Similar to how conflict zones create security challenges across borders, over 100 porous borders have facilitated arms trafficking from neighboring countries.
Key Challenges Identified:
- Inadequate early warning systems for conflict prevention
- Widespread availability of affordable firearms
- Political rhetoric exacerbating tensions
- Insufficient focus on poverty and development
Path to Resolution
As Ghana continues to demonstrate regional leadership in various areas, experts emphasize the need for:
- Enhanced tolerance education for younger generations
- Depoliticization of conflict resolution efforts
- Focus on economic development in northern regions
- Strengthened border security measures
Dr. Janet Boateng of UCC urged Ghanaians to devise innovative strategies to consolidate democratic gains while promoting peaceful coexistence. The panel concluded with a unanimous call for major political parties to avoid exploiting conflicts for political advantage.
Edwin Gyimah
Ghanaian journalist, covering African affairs for the past 10 years.