Exploring the contribution of UEW corporate social responsibility to the community development of Winneba township

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the contributions of UEW corporate social responsibility to community development of Winneba. A qualitative research approach, case study design, purposive and convenient sampling techniques were employed to sample twelve indigenes as participants. It emerged in the study that the indigenes hold both positive and negative perceptions. On the positive side, it emerged that UEW indirectly provides economic empowerment, enlightenment, reliable energy and water supply for the indigenes. On the negative side, the establishment of UEW in Winneba has increased crime rates, vandalism, unwanted pregnancies, abandonment of indigene artisans and high cost of living. The study further revealed that the establishment of UEW in Winneba has resulted in large market size; changed life story of indigenes, opportunities to earn more, UEW and its students as positive role models for the youth in Winneba, enhanced local security, new housing plans and increase in rental housing. Human rights implications of UEW CSR on the indigenous people of Winneba. The study also found that the establishment of UEW in Winneba has resulted in the strengthening of the right to an adequate standard of living of the indigenes, right to work, right to health and right to education. The study recommends that UEW should collaborate with the Municipal Security Committee to advance strategies toward strengthening security in Winneba, UEW should award contracts to indigene artisans to strengthen the existing cordial relationship between UEW and its host community and improve the well-being of the artisans. UEW should intensify its gender policy education through sensitization programs among its students and invite community leaders to represent the host community in these programs. Lastly, UEW should collaborate with the host community to stabilize the cost of rent through a mutual agreement to cushion the high cost of living in Winneba.