Role of trust-building in the resolution of the Effutu chieftaincy conflict

Abstract

This study examined the critical role building trust has played in finding a lasting solution to the Effutu Chieftaincy dispute, which is a conflict with its roots in history, socio-politics, and culture. The challenges, strategies, and potential gains of building trust between feuding parties were inspected based on an interpretive research philosophy with a qualitative, exploratory case study design. A total of 10 key informants responded to the study. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analysed using thematic template analysis. The study recognised the major challenges to building trust, which included such issues as historical grievances, power imbalances, and ineffective communication. These issues were found to further mistrust and act as a barrier to conflict resolution. Additionally, it identified key strategies for overcoming them, including transparent communication, inclusive decision-making, and neutral third-party mediation. The findings showed that, against all odds, some trust-building measures could reduce tensions and propel negotiations toward a path of long-term peace and development in the Effutu community. Theoretically, this research on addressing the root causes of mistrust only emphasised the relational and restorative justice approaches. For practical purposes, the study had myriad views to prove valuable for any conflict resolution practitioner working on the duty of open communication, independent mediation, and community engagement. The policy implication of the research is very clear: institutional mechanisms that sustain the building of trust, through transparency and accountability with fairness in the process of conflict resolution, are of importance. The research therefore brings very articulately that at the heart of conflict resolution lies trust, mainly in a traditional chieftaincy dispute resolution context. The findings give valuable lessons that could be replicated in similar conflict management within other communities for sustaining trust-based peace and reconciliation.