Business continuity and disaster recovery in Ghana–a literature review

Abstract

PurposeBusiness continuity and disaster recovery are directly associated frameworks which guarantee the continued operations of organisations after a disaster has occurred. Thus, researchers have continued to investigate best practices in this area. It is in this vein that the authors of this study seek to draw attention to what pertains in Ghana and what role the government can play to improve the situation. The purpose of this study is to explore some of the disasters which have been suffered by businesses in Ghana as well as the causes, effects and lessons learnt. The study will also look at business continuity and disaster recovery measures that could have been implemented in the examples provided.Design/methodology/approachThe study follows a literature review approach by reviewing secondary data on both man-made and natural disasters that have affected Ghana in the past decade through the review of literature.FindingsThe comprehensive study of the selected disasters indicated the presence of business continuity and disaster recovery measures in some formal institutions; however, the informal sector appeared to have minimal provision for handling disasters.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors were limited to the use of the account from the resources used since this study relied on secondary data.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that businesses in Ghana must implement business continuity and disaster recovery plans to protect business operations in the event of a disaster.Originality/valueThe study has not been previously published in any other journal. Secondary data for carrying out the study were obtained from other publications including online media platforms in Ghana.