Ghana: Communities caught in conflict cry out for peace

DW (English)

Ghana is often hailed as one of Africa’s most peaceful nations, offering refuge to thousands fleeing violence across the continent. Yet, for many Ghanaians, peace remains elusive. In several parts of the country, long-standing local conflicts continue to displace families and destroy lives. Experts warn that urgent action is needed to address these simmering tensions before they escalate further.

Transcript

00:00In the northern Ghanaian community of Ngangwa Burug, Olivia Dude shifts through the charred

00:05remains of her belongings.

00:07Her home was burned during a violent attack in January, triggered by a chieftain's dispute.

00:13Olivia and her family fled to Napanduri, seeking shelter with relatives.

00:19I and the children and my husband, we were in the house.

00:24So we heard a gunshot and we saw a house burning.

00:30So we have to run for our lives.

00:33The conflict, sparked by the installation of rival chiefts, has claimed lives, destroyed

00:38homes and displaced over 500 people.

00:42Just months ago, Olivia sold bread and fish to support her family.

00:48Now her property has been looted by scrap dealers.

00:52I don't even want to talk about it because the money I used in investing is too much

01:03because I don't think I can even get that money again to start again.

01:09But amid the devastation, women in the community are demanding peace.

01:14In a powerful traditional ritual, women march to the Bimbabwechi Palace, denouncing the violence

01:20and calling for unity.

01:22A procession, led by members of the Yenutunok Foundation, symbolizes a deep cultural plea

01:28for reconciliation.

01:30We are urging patients from everyone.

01:34That is why we are using the leaves to plead for peace, so we can return to our homes with

01:40our children.

01:41We are tired of running with the children to the mountains to hide.

01:46It is the reason why we are marching today.

01:48At the palace, their message was received with respect.

01:53A local elder acknowledged their call and expressed willingness to work toward peace.

02:00We are ready for peace and we have accepted, but we are not the only people to make peace.

02:07We need to come together to make peace.

02:09So this is to bring all actors on board.

02:10So that we see our best we can move to forge peace together.

02:13While Ghana provides sanctuary to refugees from the Sahel, many of its citizens, especially

02:20in the north, continue to live in fear.

02:23Overall, Ghana is grappling with over 500 active conflicts, mostly rooted in ethnic and land

02:30disputes.

02:31The entire state machinery has actually run out of ideas, their actual ideas with ends.

02:38That's why they have had to run back to the time-tested influence and authority of our

02:46traditional rulers.

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