The increase in gold mining activities in Côte d’Ivoire has been touted by the Ivorian government as a shot of adrenaline into the heart of national economy and the path to development of local communities where gold mines are operated. But the boom has been more of a curse for populations from the gold-rich area of Bonikro/Hiré where Newcrest, an Australian mining company, is disturbing the tranquility of locals.

Investigative reporters counted more than 380 employees, subcontractors and community members in 13 countries who died in accidents or incidents linked to the companies since the beginning of 2004, including some who were shot to death. More were horribly disfigured or injured while working at Australian mines or during community protests against them.

The status afforded them by the government is shrouded in secrecy; whether they are visitors, refugees, asylum seekers or another category altogether. They do not appear to have the right to work and to family reunion. Worse still, they are actually not permitted to leave Ghana for 2 years.

Ghanaians are going to the polls on November 7. What will they be voting for? What do they hope to achieve? There are thoughtful lessons from a former president whose legacy remains controversial, though.

The malaise of America has to be something about an inability to see, hear and feel the truth about itself. The worst social equality rates, a failing education system which indebts thousands of graduates for life while contributing to the advancing poverty of unsustainable wage and excessive military spending are just a few arguments in favour of building a wall, so that USA can figure itself out.