麻豆社

For decades, Ghana has been Africa's leading producer of gold. Most of its mining takes place legally. But small-scale, illegal gold mining 鈥� known locally as 鈥済alamsey鈥� 鈥� has become a major problem.

Toxic chemicals from the process are polluting Ghana鈥檚 water - 60% of its waterways are now contaminated. But as the country鈥檚 economy struggles, many involved in the practice say they lack an alternative to get by.

麻豆社 Reporter Favour Nunoo in Accra explains how illegal mining is impacting the environment and people鈥檚 well-being. We also hear from two protestors who recently took to the streets demanding government action ahead of elections in December.

And Jewel Kiriungi, a 麻豆社 Business reporter in Nairobi, explains where gold produced in Ghana actually ends up.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: William Lee Adams, Emily Horler and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde