Security analyst Emmanuel Kutin has sparked debate after claiming that privileged elites from northern Ghana are playing a significant role in fueling conflicts in the region. His comments, which highlight the influence of political and economic elites in perpetuating instability, have drawn mixed reactions from various quarters.

Speaking on the issue, Kutin argued that many of the violent clashes in the north are not merely the result of ethnic or tribal disputes but are, in fact, orchestrated or sustained by powerful figures who stand to benefit from the chaos. He suggested that these elites manipulate local grievances for personal or political gain, using long-standing disputes as tools to consolidate power or advance their own interests.

“The reality is that these conflicts are not simply organic. There are individuals with resources and influence who ensure that tensions persist. Whether for political dominance, control over resources, or other strategic reasons, the hand of privileged elites cannot be ignored,” Kutin explained.

His remarks come at a time when the northern regions have been grappling with sporadic violence, often attributed to land disputes, chieftaincy struggles, and inter-ethnic rivalries. While security agencies have intervened in various instances, many of these conflicts continue to resurface, raising concerns about deeper underlying causes.