The deadly dig for Ghana’s gold

Ghana’s western region is a hotbed for illegal gold mining, known as galamsey. It’s destroying the country’s forest reserves and polluting rivers that locals use for drinking water. The BBC has discovered that water around illegal mining sites contain around 500 times more mercury than the World Health Organisation guideline for safe drinking water. But why are the miners using this highly toxic chemical knowing the harm it causes?

Reporter: Thomas Naadi

Producer: Favour Nunoo

Editor: Ameer Ahmed