Ethical Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility in Circular Economy Implementation: A Conceptual Analysis of Ghana’s Agribusiness Sector

Abstract

Ghana’s agribusiness sector is increasingly confronted with environmental degradation, unsustainable linear production models, and weak policy enforcement. Circular economy (CE) frameworks offer sustainable alternatives, but their implementation is shaped by ethical governance and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This conceptual paper analyzes the intersections between these three pillars within Ghana’s agribusiness landscape. Using a qualitative, theory-informed approach grounded in stakeholder and institutional frameworks, the study synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed literature and policy analysis. The results identify fragmented regulatory structures, superficial CSR engagements, and limited stakeholder integration as critical barriers to CE diffusion. However, ethical governance reforms and strategic CSR alignment offer promising avenues for driving systemic sustainability. The study concludes that ethical leadership, robust stakeholder engagement, and integrated CSR policies are essential to unlocking the potential of CE in Ghana’s agribusiness sector.

Keywords: Ethical governance, Corporate social responsibility, Circular economy, Agribusiness, Ghana, Sustainability

DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/17-10-06

Publication date: December 30th 2025