Policing Protracted Communal Violence in Bawku, Ghana: Security Interventions, Civilian Protection, and Conflict Management

This study focuses on the security interventions in policing protracted communal violence in Bawku, Ghana, and the civilian protection and conflict management measures. Conventional policing strategies have been tested by the conflict in Bawku, which is a recurring issue between the Mamprusi and the Kusasi communities, leading to cycles of violence, displacement and deaths. The study draws on qualitative research approaches such as key informant interviews with state and non-state security actors, traditional authorities and affected civilians, as well as on documentary analysis based on policy texts and incident records, to explore the coordination of state and non-state security actors, the extent to which protection norms are adhered to by civilians, and the structural factors that foster or constrain escalation. Evidence shows that although the security operations by the joint forces have curtails the open conflict for a period, they are still largely reactive, militarised in their stance and lack connection with community-based early-warning systems. Low levels of trust in security institutions, ethnic polarization in local security institutions and politicization of conflict resolution processes compromise civil protection. Limited trust in security institutions, ethnic polarization within local security institutions, and politicization of conflict resolution processes are threats to civil protection. The study argues that a balanced approach is needed that combines effective security efforts with participatory conflict dialogues, traditional mediation, and elements of accountability for non-combatant communities for addressing the conflict in a sustainable way in Bawku. The results are relevant to the debate on policing in divided societies, provide recommendations on security sector reform, community engagement, and the design of protection-of-civilians strategies in protracted communal conflicts.