COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (CODA)

NAME AND HISTORY

CODA is development Association that brings the youth and citizens of UPPER WEST REGION of Ghana, home and abroad to engage in development activities in the area of HIV/AIDS campaign, Environmental Protection and management, Conflict Management and Resolution (peace making) and Education. CODA recognizing the crucial role that the youth can play towards the development of the region and have come together to form COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (CODA).

As stated in the preamble of the constitution ”that we may galvanize ourselves into a more proactive group to undertake development largely in four main areas: CAMPAIGN AGAINST HIV/AIDS, EDUCATION, CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, as well as ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION through the formation of our subsidiary Clubs in all the Schools in the region  and;

That we may source funding from donors, our friends and well wishers home and abroad for the purpose of carrying out the goals of CODA”.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aims and objectives of the Association shall include the following:
1. HIV/AIDS campaign
2. Environmental Protection and management
3. Conflict Management and Resolution (peace making)
4. Education

THE LOGO OF CODA

The logo of the Association partly explains the cause for which we stand. It is therefore an important symbolism to CODA.

1.GREEN BACKGROUND: explains the Associations commitment to maintaining and protecting the natural environment.

MISSION  AND VISION

OUR MISSION

1.      Our first responsibility is dedicated and committed service to the communities in honesty, integrity, accountability, and results;

2.      We must proactively take part in the development process of the region;

3.      We must serve as a unifying factor in the communities in which we work, for progress and development;

4.      We must effectively and efficiently harness the potential of the youth for development;

5.      We must develop responsible leadership skills among the youth;

6.      Advocate on issues that in-pinch on the development of community, the voiceless and the youth.

OUR VISION

1.      To positively impact on our communities developmental process;

2.      To grow into a fully fledge NGO, mainly for the youth;

3.      To cover the WHOLE of Upper West Region, and possibly the three Northern Regions of Ghana and beyond.

1.     

This is an act that should be condemned by ALL

REPORT ON THE SEMINAR FOR CODA MEMBERS ON LEADERSHIP SKILL TRAINING AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH

VENUE: N-BLOCK (N1), UNVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON.

2.0.      The seminar was successful as expected though the members reported late due to various reasons. The seminar was on two speakers on the topics. The first topic was “conflict management and conflict resolution” was handled by Mr. Prosper Nii Nartey Addo, a Research Fellow at Africa Security Dialogue. The second talk was on Leadership Skills Training was taken by Mr. Aziz Abdul-Basit of Legal Resources Centre (LRC) Mamobi, Accra.

3.0.      On Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution.

Mr. Nii Addo, the speaker said conflict means a disagreement between two opposing opinions or people. It comes about as a result of differences. This phenomenon is as old as history and is rooted in society. Conflicts exist within the individual, between two individuals, two bodies, within a country or in the international arena. It therefore begins from the grass roots level to the top. Conflicts are part of human beings but should not go to the extent of causing life and property.

3.1.   Types of Conflicts in Ghana

There are different types of conflicts depending on the cause and the people involved. The facilitator indicated:

3.1.1. Chieftaincy Disputes:

1. Chieftaincy Disputes: Chieftaincy disputes are assuming a determinative role in many a society. This is because of the erosion of the credibility of the institutions. The honour given the Chief keeps on depreciating except a few that still retains their honour. Also, succession to the throne is not concretely defined. Mr. Nii Addo noted the issue of different factions succeeding the throne and the way the chiefs also use properties belonging to the community among others as contributory factor to chieftaincy disputes.

2. Land Disputes: The factors or causes of chieftaincy dispute and land disputes overlap. A chief could sell a piece of land to two parties who will have documents covering the same land. The increasing population results in the increase in demand for land. As a result of the rising population, people treasure land for various purposes ranging from accommodation to farming and industrialization. This causes clashes between landowners and developers. The availability of resources as a cause of conflict should not be overlooked. These include gold, diamond, bauxite, etc. in the mining communities. The people often times feel cheated because they do not see the benefits of such exploited resources.

3. Political Disputes: Political Conflicts are gaining firm grounds in many societies and should not be underestimated. Different political parties are not ready to accommodate each other. People are not ready to evaluate or accept opinions from a different party due to political boundaries. These are however triggers or immediate causes since they might have seen some underlying factors.

4. Religious Conflicts: There are two types of religious conflicts. Inter-religious conflict and intra-religious conflict. The former occurs when two religious bodies are involved whilst the latter takes place within the same religion. This happens because of different interpretations of doctrines.

5. Poverty: One party could be jealous of the other having something he/she does not have. This is most at times personal. Another issue of late is the Fulanis degrading the land and water resources. The Fulanis also claim that they have been here for long and goes to the extent of tracing ancestral link to Ghana. This has caused conflict in Northern Ghana and has been discussed before in the national front.

4.0. Structures of Conflict Management

      There are two management structures as far as conflicts are concerned. These are;

 a) Traditional Structure and

 b) Political Structures.

a) Traditional Structure

There are traditional councils established to resolve conflicts. The effectiveness of these council leaves much to be desired. The Councils are made up chiefs who use costumes and practices to resolve conflict. The Regional House of Chiefs which is made up of paramount chiefs of the region also have a research unit which digs into the causes of conflicts and try to resolve it. If this body fails, it comes to the National House of Chiefs that is made up of prominent chiefs of the nation. Failure of this body to resolve conflict means the intervention of the Supreme Court.

b) Political Structures.

Under the Political Structure, there is the District Security Council. It is made up of the DCE, Chiefs, District Police Commander and representative of the army. If the traditional council fails to solve the conflict this body comes in to ensure security. If they fail, it goes to the regional level with the Regional Minister chairing this body. If this fails, it is transferred to the National Security Council, which is chaired by the President. In his absence the vice takes up the responsibility. This body is very comprehensive because they have representatives from all walks of life.

There are also other organizations that have seen the devastating effects of this canker and have put their shoulders behind the wheels in solving them. NADMO helps with relieve and settling of people who are victims of conflicts. CHRAJ also help to solve community conflicts. N.C.C.E. also educates people on conflicts and conflict resolution. The police ensure law and order. The various arms of government e.g. Executive arm could also resolve conflicts. Ethnic based Associations could also be of help. In addition there is the international community such as the UN through it organs – UNHCR, Peace Keeping Force etc and the International Red Cross among others.

4.1. Why Conflict In spite of Structures?

The structures seem not to be up and doing. This is because either some square pegs are put in round holes or they are simply dormant and lack sense of smartness. The early response even when conflicts erupt is nothing to write home about. A lot more needs to be done in terms of Management and Resolution.

4.2. Role of Youth in Conflict Management

a.        Listen carefully to any conflict that is likely to erupt. Try to understand the cause, the people involved. We need to be objective in our analysis and assume all those involved to be right.

b.       Undertake studies and come out with recommendations for government and NGOs for us, as tools to combat conflicts.

c.        Engage in conversation in a friendly manner. Suggest solution depending on information given. There is the need for a compromise. Explain the consequences and the need to use peaceful or civic engagement and dialogue.

a.        Try to engage the youth in productive activities so that they are not idle since idle mind is the devils workshop.

b.       Advise traditional structures and organize seminars. In this case information is disseminated. Create platforms for people to air their views e.g. FM stations. Try to be neutral and objective.

5.0. Conclusion 

It must be said that the causes are sometimes interrelated. For a conflict to erupt, it needs a trigger e.g. Festivals, Media. For conflicts to be resolved one needs to know the dynamics and must be equipped with the necessary prerequisites.

6.0. On Leadership Skill Training, the Role of the Individual in Community Building

Mr. Adul-Aziz Basit, a legal Practitioner, delivering the second topic noted three main areas namely – leadership, place of leadership and role of leadership as crucial for the youth. Leadership involves a sense of direction. There is informal leadership and formal leadership. The latter is by election. Formal leadership represents an entire body/society and the leader negotiates talks on behalf of the body he/she represents.

6.1 Why Leadership?

Communities comprise different ethnic as well as social groups. Everybody in the society addresses an issue in a bulk. Some people have the knowledge and ability to do this with the support of the society, hence leadership. A leader should exhibit some qualities, prominent among these are:

a.        Competence: a leader should have the knowledge to address concerns of his/her people. Identify him/herself with the people. It should not be seen as a get-rich business. A leader must use his authority for the benefit of the group. He/she must show fortitude, be resolute and be prepared to face circumstances.

b.       A leader should know the concerns of the people and habits as well as their needs.

6.2. Role of Individual in Community Development

The individual should make attempts to know the problems of the community. He/She should be prepared to communicate his/her ideas to the community. We must come together to fight for common goals because there is power in number. It is good to come together and present a common voice which is the desire and aspirations of the people in the pursuit of their needs. We should be prepared to show disapproval if something is not done properly. We should be ready to face criticism, control our emotions, feelings and do things in a humble manner. The youth should make the needs of the society their primary aim and responsibility. Avoid dictatorship. Try as much as possible to talk to people about your plans especially those who can give a helping hand.

6.3. Conclusion

Leadership is inevitable in society and the quality of a leader determines the progress, development of the locality, most people have often thought or use leadership positions for their own individual interest and leaving the group to its fate. However, Mr. Aziz brought everything about leadership to ground level and members realized it was a sacrificial job, one of dedication and service. As members of CODA we are leaders in our own way and must therefore adsorb what was thought to get the necessary results desired.

The president and chairman for the occasion thanked the speakers for their inspiring presentation and accepting spends their precious time to scratch the problem of Conflict management and Conflict Resolution and the issues Leadership Skills Training – the role of the youth. The presentation no doubt will affect the lives of all participants present, and will also build our capacity to deliver to those who are not here.