Why the Resolution of the Nandom Imamship Conflict Has Not Been Successful

Abstract

In our earlier work (2022), we analyzed the dynamics of the Nandom Imamship conflict in the Upper West Region of Ghana. This current paper discusses the threats to the resolution of the Nandom Imamship conflict. The study that informed this paper was undertaken to understand the Nandom Imamship conflict using a qualitative approach and a case study design. The purpose was to explore the factors that have been stalling the resolution of the conflict since its eruption to enable conflict resolution and peacebuilding practitioners or institutions to devise appropriate mechanisms towards resolving the conflict. The findings show that the threats to the resolution of the conflict exist at system, actor, and community levels. The local dynamics of the conflict and the conflict environment were not well understood by intervening parties. As such, we argue that conflict analysis should be prime to conflict resolution. The paper observed that trust and confidence building are critical issues in conflict resolution. The paper concludes by arguing that consciousness and understanding of conflict resolution threats is significant to approaching conflicts and constructing effective conflict resolution processes.

Key words: Conflict Resolution, Threats, Nandom, Zongo, Imamship

DOI: 10.7176/JPCR/59-03

Publication date: March 30^th 2025