Fulbe Integration Manual launched

A social inclusion and rights organisation, STAR Ghana Foundation, has launched a manual to foster inclusion and peaceful coexistence within communities with large populations of Fulbe, what has become known as ‘Fulanis’.

Titled the Fulbe Integration Manual, it provides strategic ways to integrate Fulbes in policy making.

It was launched last Thursday with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and other stakeholders.
 

The Manual 

The manual focuses on the social, political, economic and cultural integration of the Fulbe community, emphasising inclusivity and participation.

It is grounded in a three-key conceptual framework, which is the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Social Inclusion Framework, the Fulbe-centric Social Integration Framework and a ten-point strategy for Fulbe integration.

These frameworks collectively address various aspects of inclusion, from governance and participation to education and access to services.

The manual also references legal provisions, particularly Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, to highlight the citizenship rights of Fulbe people, emphasising that they are entitled to equal treatment under the law.

The manual also serves as a practical guide for policymakers, civil society organisations and donors working toward Fulbe integration.

Discrimination

The Executive Director of STAR Ghana Foundation, Amidu Ibrahim-Tanko, in his remarks, indicated that one of the key catalysts for violence is the marginalisation of the Fulbes within Ghana’s communities.

He noted that the Constitution of Ghana frowns upon discrimination and exclusion.

Therefore, he urged Ghanaians to focus on the contributions and involvement of the Fulbes in all aspects of the socio-economic activities in the country.

“The 1992 Constitution of Ghana explicitly states that the state shall prohibit discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or place of birth. Let's remove the stereotype and look at their contributions and involvement in all aspects of the socio-economic activity,” he said.

Integration policy needed

The Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, Dr George Amoh, expressed concern about the level of disintegration and division in some parts of Ghana, including the Volta Region.

He urged duty-bearers to take significant steps toward implementing well-thought-out policies that promote a more integrated society.

“Building a nation is not only building roads, building bridges or educational institutions.

They are all good. But building an integrated country is the most important element, and that is what I think we should focus on,” he said.

Dr Amoh emphasised the commitment of the National Peace Council to promote peace and harmony in the country.

“The National Peace Council is standing high in solidarity with mother Ghana, as we always do, and the Fulbe community.

We support you,” he said.

The President of the National Council of Fulani (Fulbe) Chiefs, Chief Alhaji Iddrisu Mohammed Bingle, expressed his dissatisfaction with the persistent stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination among ethnic groups.

However, he said that the launch of the manual would expose the truth and encourage peaceful coexistence among communities.