Security expert Dr. Adam Bonaa is advocating for tackling conflicts on a more localized level within Ghana. This call follows an alarming rise in reports of violence that could jeopardize the nation’s recent peace efforts. The violence has left communities in fear, especially those directly impacted. Speaking on Starr Today with Tutuwaa Danso, Dr.

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Bonaa highlighted that addressing these issues locally is essential, as failing to do so will only lead to their recurrence.“We have over-centralized the fight against conflict in this country. As a result, we do not have a policy that addresses conflicts in a localized manner. For instance, we tend to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to conflict resolution, using the same methods in different contexts.

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This approach has failed in various instances. For example, the method used to resolve the Dagbon crisis is being applied to the Bawku situation, and the approach used in Bawku is being attempted in Anyensuano and Nkwanta South, with no success.”“Some of us have argued that conflict resolution should be localized. If a conflict is not of national scale, the solution should also be local.

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Unfortunately, over the years, we have tried to impose a universal solution. I have called for a more tailored approach, and we have the national security policy document, which I believe is a good framework that can be developed further. However, have we assessed the key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in that document to determine if we can localize solutions effectively? We have yet to do that.

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”“The Peace Council lacks the authority to enforce its decisions. It cannot hold anyone accountable. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is also under-resourced and incapacitated, making it difficult for them to educate local communities on past conflicts. Until these issues are addressed, we will continue to face recurring conflicts across the country. There needs to be a solution to this,” he added.

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In parallel, Muqtar Mumuni Muqthar, Executive Director of the West African Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), has called on the government to seize firearms in Bawku to help reduce escalating tensions in the area.

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