CSR in Ghana? Diversity should not mean dumping

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore corporate social responsibility in context of the dumping of electronic waste (e-waste), inferior products and second-hand goods, and related activities of multinational corporations' (MNCs') subsidiaries in Ghana. It aims to suggest examples and recommendations to help curb the negative effects of dumping in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach - Research into specific e-waste and scavenging activities and its impact on indigenous people and the environment is analyzed. Furthermore, findings on relevant stakeholders who have interest in this menace are reviewed. There is also a general discussion of the effect of other import/export activities that are tantamount to dumping. Findings - One can often observe ignorant scavengers around recycling sites demarcating their portions of the waste which includes discarded computers, televisions, micro-waves, radio sets, and VCR amongst others. These wastes are often carried to strategic points where these people they extract some valuable components. It is known that MNCs find it expensive to re-cycle these wastes in their home countries, thereby diversifying them to new markets often termed as bridging the digital divide. The hazards involved do not only affect the environment, but also the health of the indigenous people. Furthermore, there is the increase of inferior products as well as second-hand goods in the country. Governments can set import restrictions, the pressure groups can help take appropriate actions to mitigate the effects. Educating the indigenous people in consciousness in the health hazards in e-waste becomes necessary. Proper disposal and re-cycling activities should be implemented by the government and collaborated by MNCs. Originality/value - This paper can be seen as an initial attempt to integrate the effect of dumping and contributions from stakeholders to enforce MNCs and their subsidiaries to be socially responsible in the Ghanaian business environment.