I take the opportunity to thank all those who participated in the survey. Although participation was poor, but the quality of the data gathered was encouraging and helpful to the mission in assessing the issue; and in developing strategic framework within which to promote tribal unity, peace and harmony in the forum as well as in Ghana, our homeland.

The participants were not representative sample of Ghana’s population; however, it is believed to be cross section of the population thereby making the outcome a representative sample.

The quantitative analysis of the data collected through the methodology employed, conclusively indicates the following;

1) Tribalism is a concern to be taken seriously 2) It is necessary to continue to write articles on the subject 3) Tribal sentiments should not be tolerated at the forum 4) There is the need for code of conduct here at the forum 5) There is the need for education on tribal/national unity 6) Tribalism is a real threat to Ghana’s security/future 7) Ghana is not united enough as a nation 8) Possibility of civil war exist if care is not taken 9) Ghanaians desire peace, unity and harmony

Now that there is scientific evidence to substantiate the fact that tribalism is an issue that needs addressing, the following must be examined.

a. Whose problem is it? b. Who should address the problem? c. What would happen if the problem is ignored? d. What is the way forward?

The threat of civil war based on tribal hatred is real. It is imperative to understand that the problem of tribalism is a collective problem and therefore must be seen as such, and every effort must be made to address the problem while there is still hope. If the Rwandans/Ivorian/Kenyans had acknowledged the problems which led to the civil war in their respective countries, as a collective problem which affected all of them and not just politicians, and if they had taken the time out to systematically address the problem before it escalated, then perhaps the civil wars might have been averted.

The problem of tribalism in Ghana is mainly due to an attitude problem, cultural, upbringing and the unforgiving nature of Ghanaians which is self-evidence here at the forum. The tribal war and hatred seem primarily between the Ewe and Asante extremists.

It was pointed out during the survey that what people say here, which they are probably afraid to say in public, is exactly how they feel about Ghana and fellow Ghanaians. Such thinking and attitude should concern all Ghanaians. History tells us that civil wars were started by extremists who started promoting hatred in their speeches and writings well before resulting to action. Similar tendencies are being manifested here at the forum, and if it continuous it won’t be long before there would be an all out full blown civil war. It has been said that little drop of water makes a mighty ocean. These little drops of tribal sentiments being traded here at the forum could result into a mighty ocean of civil war. Some might say that the tribal sentiments expressed here are just for jokes. There is an Ewe proverb which says “A JOKING MATTER SOON BECOMES a SERIOUS/REAL MATTER” The threat therefore must be taken seriously by every Ghanaian at home and abroad. The time to act is now; say no to tribalism to protect Ghana’s future and her children. It would only take one lunatic extremist to spark civil war. Is this what Ghanaians want? Ghanaians cannot afford to be too careful in this regard.

The Ewe and Asante extremists should know that Ghana does not belong to them exclusively and therefore must respect the rest of Ghanaians and refrain from the art of provocation. It is strongly recommended that His majesty the Asantehene and the Ewe chiefs should appeal and admonish their people to refrain from tribal provocation, and to sort out their differences before plunging the entire country into civil war.

Since it has now been established that tribalism is a collective problem, with the tendency to affect all Ghanaians, the approach to finding a lasting solution should be a collective effort. Most often than not, issues such as these are left to the politicians to solve. In this case however, Ghana’s salvation depends on the ordinary Ghanaian and not the politicians. The politicians themselves are corrupt and tribalistic therefore cannot be trusted. Every Ghanaian therefore must become part of the solution and not sit on the fence. It must be noted that in order to secure victory in this endeavor, there must be no spectators. It must be understood that neither the Ewes nor the Asantes are the enemy; tribalism is the enemy and must not be allowed to divide us.

Cote d’Ivoire was once known as an oasis of peace and development in Africa. However, when its citizens including its political leaders ignored signs of tribalism and hatred such as being perpetrated here at the forum, they paid dearly through many years of civil war. The signs of hatred and tribalism which normally leads to civil war are all there to be seen by anyone who cares to see. Ghanaians therefore cannot afford to be complacent and ignore the signs. Urgent attention therefore must be given to the problem as time wasted can never be regained. Ghana must not become another Rwanda/Liberia/Sierra Leone /Kenya/Cote d’Ivoire.

The way forward is for every Ghanaian to join the fight against hatred and tribalism. Say no to tribalism must become Ghana’s slogan, and promoted by the Government. Every Ghanaian must make it their business to refrain from any action, activity and speech which promotes hatred and tribalism. Forgiveness and tolerance must be the chief weapon in this warfare. The interest and development of Ghana as one nation and one people must take preeminence over any tribal affiliation. The government must enact and vigorously enforce laws against tribalism. Tribal and national unity must become part of the educational curriculum and must be thought right from primary school to university level.

The government must take a strong stand against tribalism, and must create ministry of Tribal and National Unity; to nurture and develop a sense of unity through building relationships through cultural exchanges especially at secondary school level. There should be a student exchange programs, whereby students from one region would go to another region to experience the culture and customs of the region; similar to the student exchange program in the West. The heart of the ministry’s work would be a catalyst in helping Ghanaians to know how precious every tribe is and value its people. The ministry should ensure that at the end of the exchange program, students leave feeling changed, challenged and inspired for having experienced another tribe’s customs. The experience should create sense of acceptance and to forester relationships which will develop trust and value.

It was no coincident that Ghana became the first sub-Sahara African country to gain independence from colonial rule. It was also not a coincident that Ghana became the first African country to win a world cup. Further more it was no coincident that the Northern territory, Akanland, Galand and Trans-Volta Togo land came together to form one nation. Ghana is a special nation with unique tribal diversity destine for greatness. There are great benefits to be derived from tribal diversity. Ghana therefore must be considered fortunate to have such tribal diversity which must be celebrated.

It would take all Ghanaians working together in order for Ghana to attain her greatness. Every Ghanaian therefore must see his/her fellow Ghanaian as an important component in attaining Ghana’s greatness. Ghana is the shining star, and the beacon of hope of Africa. However, tribalism is a great threat to Ghana’s position as the hope of Africa. It is the responsibility of every Ghanaian to make sure that Ghana remains the shinning star of Africa; by working together to eliminate tribalism.

It must be remembered that there are no winners in a civil war especially in a society as complex as Ghana. And should there be a civil war, the casualties would be unimaginably. This is the 21st century; therefore all Ghanaians must expand their horizon above primitive culture and thinking.

Do you have Ghana’s interest at heart sufficient enough to work towards unity and tribal harmony? Please play your part by saying no to tribalism. Remember it only takes just one person to make a difference; Rosa Parks did; would you be the next Rosa Parks?

One Ghana, one nation and one people.

God bless Ghana the shinning star and hope of Africa

KOMLA, THE PEACE BROKER, USA