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

Ugandan opposition leader and presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was among millions who cast their votes today, as the country elects a leader. Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform, arrived at a polling station in Magere, on the outskirts of Kampala, accompanied by his wife and others. The vote comes as the international community has criticised the government of President Yoweri Museveni for imposing an internet shutdown ahead of the poll. Museveni is seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade as attempts to maintain his political strength and efforts to avoid the kind of unrest that has rocked neighbours Tanzania and Kenya as speculation mounts about his eventual succession. For more on what is happening on the ground, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Executive Director of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), Gilbert Sendugwa and Africa Deputy Director at Human Rights Watch, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz

Ugandan opposition leader and presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was among millions who cast their votes today, as the country elects a leader. Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform, arrived at a polling station in Magere, on the outskirts of Kampala, accompanied by his wife and others. The vote comes as the international community has criticised the government of President Yoweri Museveni for imposing an internet shutdown ahead of the poll. Museveni is seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade as attempts to maintain his political strength and efforts to avoid the kind of unrest that has rocked neighbours Tanzania and Kenya as speculation mounts about his eventual succession. For more on what is happening on the ground, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Executive Director of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), Gilbert Sendugwa and Africa Deputy Director at Human Rights Watch, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz

Ugandans take to the polls as 81-year-old President seeks 5th term in office

The Kenya's government has reportedly delayed signing a $1 billion US Dollars trade agreement with China, in a move seen by some as Nairobi's way of bowing to pressure from the United States, urging the country to prioritise the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The US trade programme has allowed qualifying Kenyan exports to enter US markets duty-free, and since its lapse in September 2025, Nairobi's textile and agricultural industries have been hit with tariffs. The reports of the delay on the proposed deal with Beijing, will result in a delay in government's approval from Kenya's Cabinet and Parliament. To discuss the impact of this decision on Kenya's economic landscape, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Victor Otieno, Managing Director of Viffa Consult and an expert in Kenyan Small and Medium Enterprise Policy and international trade.

The Kenya's government has reportedly delayed signing a $1 billion US Dollars trade agreement with China, in a move seen by some as Nairobi's way of bowing to pressure from the United States, urging the country to prioritise the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The US trade programme has allowed qualifying Kenyan exports to enter US markets duty-free, and since its lapse in September 2025, Nairobi's textile and agricultural industries have been hit with tariffs. The reports of the delay on the proposed deal with Beijing, will result in a delay in government's approval from Kenya's Cabinet and Parliament. To discuss the impact of this decision on Kenya's economic landscape, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Victor Otieno, Managing Director of Viffa Consult and an expert in Kenyan Small and Medium Enterprise Policy and international trade.

 Kenya's government delays $1 billion trade deal with China 'to appease US, aim for AGOA renewal'

India has officially assumed the BRICS presidency for 2026, unveiling a new logo and theme that positions the bloc as a voice for emerging economies. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar launched the branding on Tuesday - emphasizing New Delhi's priorities for the year - resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. This report by Ishan Garg from New Delhi.

India has officially assumed the BRICS presidency for 2026, unveiling a new logo and theme that positions the bloc as a voice for emerging economies. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar launched the branding on Tuesday - emphasizing New Delhi's priorities for the year - resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. This report by Ishan Garg from New Delhi.

New report exposes rise of unlicensed gold mining in Ghana

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