Two Maps, Two Tales and Two Truths: A Purposeful Transformational Approach to the Nkonya–Alavanyo Conflict in Ghana

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Abstract

In this article, we suggest rethinking the conflict resolution agenda among seemingly latent intractable communal conflicts by moving toward a constructive transformation of these conflicts. We connect Coser's theorization on social conflict and Lederach's conflict transformational ideas to, first, offer an alternative way of reconceptualizing conflict in ways that focus on harnessing the inherent potentialities of conflicts while changing the negative relational patterns among disputants; second, we propose emancipation from the local turn in peacebuilding to a local-local turn that will create a sense of local ownership, legitimize the process and increase the likelihood of acceptable and durable outcomes. To substantialize our argument, we present phenomenologically generated evidence from the Nkonya–Alavanyo conflict, which persists for over a century despite several attempts at its resolution. The conflict revolves around two truths derived from two maps and two tales and is overshadowed by mutual accusations and historically conditioned distrust of mediators.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJOURNAL OF PEACEBUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2023
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Africa
  • communal conflicts
  • conflict transformation
  • Ghana
  • intractable conflicts
  • local-local turn
  • Nkonya–Alavanyo conflict

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 1

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Safety Research
  • Political Science and International Relations

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