Key questions this article answers:
- What are some of the internal and external factors driving conflict in Ghana’s northern regions?
- What could be the impact of this conflict on Ghana’s risk profile?
A chieftaincy squabble in Northern Ghana can shed light on the issues causing conflict in that part of the country. Earlier this year, Ghana sent a few thousand troops to Bawku, a town in the Upper East region of the country, to quell some violence that arose over who should be the chief of that town. Its headship is contested between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups, which goes back decades.
Historically, Ghana has been viewed as a relatively peaceful and stable state. It consistently ranks in the top 10 in the Ibrahim Index for African Governance. However, this status could come under pressure due to factors within and outside the country.
This article will do two things: first, it will examine the
