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The Impact of Transitional Justice on Conflict Resolution and the Maintenance of Peace Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 The mpI act of Transitional Justice on Conflict Resolution and the Maintenance of Peace Joe Lambongang Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Administration Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Joe Lambongang has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Gloria Billingsley, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Anthony Leisner, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. George Kieh, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract The Impact of Transitional Justice on Conflict Resolution and the Maintenance of Peace by Joe Lambongang MA, University of Ghana, 1990 B. SC, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology, 1988 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2017 Abstract Ethnic conflicts persist in Ghana despite the efforts of governments to resolve them. Governments are increasingly concerned not only about their massive human rights abuses and wide-scale destruction of property that characterize these conflicts, but also the difficulty of resolving them and restoring permanent peace. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to provide a deeper understanding of the processes and mechanisms of transitional justice implemented in Dagbon after war broke out in 2002 and explore the conditions under which these initiatives can be more effective in resolving the conflict and maintain peace. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, and review of documents. Thirteen participants were purposively selected from communities, chiefs, and representatives of civil society organizations. Focus groups consisted of four men and four women. NVivo was used to manage and analyze the data. Data were analyzed using the theory of protracted social conflict as a lens and the concept of transitional justice as the conceptual foundation. The findings showed that a mixture of formal retributive and restorative initiatives was implemented. These were imposed on informal institutions and rules more deeply rooted in Dagbon. The institutions also suffered undue pressure from both government and elite of Dagbon which made peacebuilding difficult. A recommendation was made for government to strengthen the Dagbon Traditional Council to lead the conflict resolution process using traditional approaches, and identify and empower a credible civil society group to facilitate the process. The results could potentially change the way the conflict resolution initiatives have been conceptualized and managed in future. The Impact of Transitional Justice on Conflict Resolution and the Maintenance of Peace. by Joe Lambongang MA, University of Ghana, 1990 B. SC, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology, 1988 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2017 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to my mother, Madam Mokbia Lambongang, who out of nothing, managed to see me through my education. Mother, you ensured I got everything I needed and above all, inspired me to strive to be the best in life. Yet you did not live to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Rest in peace!! Acknowledgments Many people have contributed to the success of this study. First, I would like to thank my committee chair, Dr. Gloria Billingsley, for her patience and encouragement throughout the study. You have not only been patient but also knowledgeable and inspiring throughout the study. I would always remember and appreciate the support of Dr. Anthony Leisner, my committee member for his invaluable comments and support throughout the process. You challenged me to do better and I appreciate the final outcome. I would also like to acknowledge the support of Dr. Richard Box and Dr. George Kieh University Reviewers at various stages, for their tremendous support in getting this study to this level. I will forever remain indebted to both of you for your guidance. To my wife and children, I say thank you for allowing me to pursue my dream and for using some of the family resources for this study. My wife Mrs Hannah Lambongang has been a pillar of support throughout. Thank you for standing by me and for all the sacrifices you had to go through because of this study. You stayed awake with me, prayed with and for me, and above all empathized with me when things were tough. For these, I say may God bless you!! Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background to the Problem .................................................................................... 3 Statement of the Problem ...............................................................................................6 Research Questions ........................................................................................................8 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................8 Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................8 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................10 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................11 Assumptions, Limitations, Scope, and Delimitations ..................................................12 Summary of Chapter One ............................................................................................13 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................15 Introduction ..................................................................................................................15 Research Strategy.................................................................................................. 16 Concepts of Transitional Justice ..................................................................................17 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................21 Protracted Social Conflict Theory ........................................................................ 21 Review of Literature on Africa ....................................................................................27 Nature, Causes and Effects of Conflicts ............................................................... 27 Strategies to Resolve Africa’s Conflicts and Maintain Peace .............................. 34 i Review of Literature on Conflicts in Ghana ................................................................44 The Nature, Causes and Effects of Conflicts ........................................................ 44 Responses to Conflict Situations and Challenges ................................................. 52 Synthesis, Analysis and Implications for this Study ....................................................61 Conflict Settlement Initiatives .............................................................................. 62 Conflict Resolution and Peace-building Initiatives .............................................. 64 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................68 Introduction ..................................................................................................................68 Research Design and Rationale ...................................................................................69 The Role of the Researcher ................................................................................... 73 Research Methodology ......................................................................................... 74 Study Population and Participants ........................................................................ 74 Sample Size ........................................................................................................... 75 Data Collection Procedures and Instruments ........................................................ 76 Dealing with Reliability, Trustworthiness and Ethical Issues .....................................84
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