Decentralization and conflicts: A case study of the KassenaNankana West District of Ghana

Abstract

In Ghana, decentralization has been adopted as a means of promoting democracy and local governance, but the outcomes have been problematic in some cases. This study, which assesses decentralization and conflict in the Kassena-Nankana West District, collected both quantitative and qualitative data from the District Assembly staff and community members through both purposive and stratified sampling techniques. From the study, conflicts result in heightened demand by the Kassena and Nankana for the creation of separate districts out of the existing district. Some of the causes of conflict between the District Assembly functionaries and citizens at the local level include low participation of citizens in decision making, poor dissemination of information from Assembly members to community members and inadequate financial resources for the District Assembly to undertake development projects needed by the people. District Assemblies need to mainstream peace-building and conflict management strategies into the Medium Term Development Plans to prevent conflicts between key stakeholders.