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PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the growing trend of power outages in Ghana and the possible diffusion of a solar solution from the solar technologies; it also seeks to ascertain whether people in Ghana as well as developing countries would resort to renewable energy because of its “greenness”.Design/methodology/approachA focus group study was used, aimed at investigating the right parameters to be put in place for an effective diffusion of solar solutions in developing countries and, this instance, Ghana.FindingsResults from the interviews of sampled respondents selected from different regions of the country indicated that many Ghanaians consider solar energy as the best alternative. However, it was a matter of affordability, financing and accessibility. Supplementary discussion into the benefits of resorting to “greenness” of solar energy, which seems not to be of major concern to potential users in Ghana, is highlighted. Moreover, making solar energy accessible in Ghana and the related market‐marketing conditions of the solutions are addressed. Based on the findings, a comprehensive examination of the reasons behind the slow adaptation of solar energy as an alternative is addressed. The alternative solar solutions identified include: standalone; backup and hybrid.Originality/valueThe study can be seen as the first in a series of attempts to understand the energy crisis in Ghana. The paper is aimed at promoting awareness of renewable energy solutions and its potential for helping the country to achieve a balanced economic growth.

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.

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for handling end of life (henceforth EoL) scenarios of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels, which includes different options available to businesses and end-users, as well as promoting the collaboration between government and all relevant stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts purposeful sampling, secondary data and content analysis to develop an appropriate conceptual framework that helps to create awareness of the appropriate options for dealing with the EoL cases of solar PV panels. Findings From the data analysis, it is revealed that reuse, repair and recycling of solar PV panels can ensure value creation, public-private partnership and a solution for education in sustainability, and thus, prolonging the useful life cycle of the products. Research limitations/implications This paper limits the analysis on developing economies and the use of selected literature based on the recycling of solar PV panels. Originality/value This paper is an initial attempt to create an awareness by identifying, analyzing and educating the stakeholders to handle appropriately any EoL scenario of solar PV panels.