Vol. 2012 No. 1 (2012)
Religious Art in Conflict Resolution: A Mixed Methods Study Among Northern Ghanaian Peacemakers
Abstract
Religious art plays a significant role in conflict resolution efforts across various cultures. In northern Ghana, traditional religious leaders and practitioners often utilise symbolic representations to mediate disputes. The research employs a combination of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and surveys distributed among local communities. Data analysis includes thematic coding for qualitative content and statistical testing for quantitative measures. Analysis revealed that religious artworks are used in approximately 70% of conflict resolution processes, with themes including ancestral figures and sacred symbols often employed to bridge community divides. The findings suggest a strong correlation between the use of religious art and successful conflict resolution outcomes among Northern Ghanaian peacemakers. Future research should consider longitudinal studies to track changes in the role of religious art over time, while practitioners could be trained on how to integrate these cultural tools more effectively into their mediation practices. Religious Art, Conflict Resolution, Peacemaking, Northern Ghana
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