Indigenous conflict resolution and peace-building among the Nabdam of Ghana

Harmonious living is an essential ingredient for the progress of every society. This requires that conflicts which are a natural part of human life are amicably resolved when they arise. Largely, people have the options of resorting to the statuary courts system or indigenous approaches which are rooted in the customs and traditions societies for the resolution of conflicts. This study examined the indigenous conflict resolution among the Nabdam of Ghana using the descriptive design within the qualitative research paradigm. It involved thirty persons from the area consisting chiefs, elders, and individuals who have employed the approach in resolving their disputes. The instruments of interview guide, focused-group discussion guide, and observation check lists were deployed to gather data for the respondents. It emerged from the study that the Nabdam indigenous conflict resolution approach is a well-structured one with four stages which has no formal place the involvement of women. It also emerged that despite modernization and proliferation of religions in the area, the approach has potential into the future due to many factors. Even though women have no official role in the application of the Nabdam indigenous conflict resolution approach, they were found to be effective in managing disputes especially those involving women. It was therefore concluded that it is due time that women should be formally involved in the application of the approach.