Ghana's artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector is expanding rapidly-mostly outside legal oversight.

This growth is driven by limited job opportunities and the promise of quick income, but is increasingly linked to environmental destruction, foreign involvement, and organized criminal networks. A new report based on three years of research and satellite analysis, reveals how unlicensed mining is intensifying in regions like Western and Savannah, and why enforcement efforts remain weak.

Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Marcena Hunter, Director of Extractives at Switzerland based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

Ghana's artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector is expanding rapidly-mostly outside legal oversight.
This growth is driven by limited job opportunities and the promise of quick income, but is increasingly linked to environmental destruction, foreign involvement, and organized criminal networks. A new report based on three years of research and satellite analysis, reveals how unlicensed mining is intensifying in regions like Western and Savannah, and why enforcement efforts remain weak.
Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Marcena Hunter, Director of Extractives at Switzerland based Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

Africa Hour

Africa World Hour 

New report exposes rise of unlicensed gold mining in Ghana

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, has raised fresh concerns about the potential spread of Ebola along the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

This comes as the UN warns of increasing risks in overcrowded displacement camps in the east, particularly in Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2,300 cases have been confirmed, with hundreds of deaths, while infections have also spread to neighbouring Uganda.

Humanitarian agencies now fear that mobility along key waterways and vulnerable living conditions could accelerate transmission.

To unpack this, Mpho Sithole spoke to Dr Thierno Balde, the Incident manager from the WHO in Burnia…

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, has raised fresh concerns about the potential spread of Ebola along the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.&nbsp;
This comes as the UN warns of increasing risks in overcrowded displacement camps in the east, particularly in Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2,300 cases have been confirmed, with hundreds of deaths, while infections have also spread to neighbouring Uganda.
Humanitarian agencies now fear that mobility along key waterways and vulnerable living conditions could accelerate transmission.
To unpack this, Mpho Sithole spoke to Dr Thierno Balde, the Incident manager from the WHO in Burnia&hellip;

Fresh concerns raised over potential spread of Ebola along the Congo River

As the global push toward sustainability gains momentum, Africa's mining sector is increasingly being seen not just as a supplier of critical minerals, but as a key player in shaping a greener and more inclusive future.

From lithium and cobalt to gold and bauxite, the continent holds vast resources essential for the global energy transition.

But alongside this opportunity comes a pressing challenge, ensuring that mining drives local development, protects the environment, and delivers real benefits for communities.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Frederic Attakumah, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, to unpack how Africa can position itself at the forefront of sustainable mining and what it will take to balance growth with responsibility...

As the global push toward sustainability gains momentum, Africa's mining sector is increasingly being seen not just as a supplier of critical minerals, but as a key player in shaping a greener and more inclusive future.
From lithium and cobalt to gold and bauxite, the continent holds vast resources essential for the global energy transition.
But alongside this opportunity comes a pressing challenge, ensuring that mining drives local development, protects the environment, and delivers real benefits for communities.
Mpho Sithole spoke to Frederic Attakumah, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, to unpack how Africa can position itself at the forefront of sustainable mining and what it will take to balance growth with responsibility...

Africa's mining sector seen as key player in shaping greener future

Amnesty International has raised concerns about the arrest and continued detention of Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, a community leader and chairperson of the National Democratic Working Group in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe.

Mbedzi is facing charges of inciting an unlawful gathering after allegedly calling for protests against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

Amnesty is calling for his immediate and unconditional release, warning against what it describes as the misuse of the criminal justice system to silence dissent.

To unpack this, Mpho Sithole spoke to Tshidi Leatswe, a campaigner at Amnesty International...

Amnesty International has raised concerns about the arrest and continued detention of Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, a community leader and chairperson of the National Democratic Working Group in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe.
Mbedzi is facing charges of inciting an unlawful gathering after allegedly calling for protests against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
Amnesty is calling for his immediate and unconditional release, warning against what it describes as the misuse of the criminal justice system to silence dissent.
To unpack this, Mpho Sithole spoke to Tshidi Leatswe, a campaigner at Amnesty International...

New report exposes rise of unlicensed gold mining in Ghana

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