Implications and Dynamics of the Chieftaincy Conflict on Development in Winneba-Ghana

Abstract

Understanding the social context of the conflict is essential for developing efficient responses. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of chieftaincy conflicts on development and to map a road towards a peaceful resolution of conflict using the human need theory. The non-probability sampling technique was used to decide on respondents for the study. A total of 400 respondents were interviewed and made to fill a 20-item structured questionnaire. The findings show that the Municipality is enjoying negative peace in spite of the Appeal court ruling on the chieftaincy dispute and this is affecting the development of the town.  To resolve this conflict there will be the need for government, political parties, the Municipal Assembly and all stakeholders to show a high sense of morality and refrain from exploiting ethnic sentiments for electoral favours. Again a lot of public education on peace targeting the youth of the area must be started immediately. Peace clubs must be started at the basic schools level to defuse possible breaches of the peace. The study finally concluded that observing Human Needs Theory could effectively give new insights into finding strategies which may work for both Garthey and Ayirebi Acquah Families.

Keywords: Chieftaincy, festival, conflict, peace, court, development