Ghana, A Case Study: Psychological Constructs for Social Healing, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation

Abstract

Social communities have experienced traumatic human rights abuses from internal conflict and violence in different parts of the world. The aftermath is personal and social brokenness that has the propensity to cause counter-violence and be self-perpetuating. To remedy this situation, attempts have been made to use reconciliation commissions to bring about social healing and reconciliation. However, mental health challenges persist for survivors of such conflict following the work of such commissions. In this dissertation, a phenomenological and qualitative approach was used to examine the psychological concepts involved in the work of the Ghana National Reconciliation Commission. Relevant data were obtained for this case study from the commission’s official report as well as from archival data of interviews with commissioners and others associated with the commission’s work. This dissertation also proposes and discusses the possible greater effectiveness of reconciliation commissions by incorporating forgiveness therapy to promote the healing and flourishing of individuals and the community. Introducing individual interpersonal and group forgiveness concepts and techniques may help victims let go of unforgiveness, replace negative affect with positive affect, and be more open to reconciliation. The intervention of self-forgiveness/acceptance may help victims and perpetrators of violence practice self-acceptance and be more open to reconciliation. Finally, interpersonal forgiveness, group forgiveness, and self-acceptance may facilitate the community’s development of a truth-based narrative of a shared history and a common, positive future.