The Ontology of Interfaith Dialogue as a Participatory Approach in Peaceful Coexistence in Rural Northern Ghana

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Northern Region of Ghana. Through qualitative approach, data were collected from 381 respondents with 14 religious leaders and five traditional leaders. Key Informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations were used. Lack of job opportunities, inadequate business support services, land, and chieftaincy disputes are major drivers of conflict in the region. As a multireligious, region, interfaith dialogues (IDs) has the potential to promote peaceful co-existence. All respondents generally agreed, there has not been any violent conflict in their communities due to IDs with 99% respondents strongly agreeing IDs yielded sustainable outcomes. However, IDs also potentially produce negative externalities when not professionally carried out. IDs actions should therefore be structured and culturally sensitive to achieve its desired impact. Policy frameworks for institutionalizing ID, and institutional collaboration alongside youth development initiatives should be promoted through IDs.

Keywords

Ontology interfaith dialogue participatory approach peaceful coexistence Northern Ghana

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