People & Power - Curse of Gold     Human adornment is the driving force behind global demand for gold. However, for the people of western Ghana, life only gets harder as the soil under their feet gives up its cherished metal. West Ghana has more gold than anywhere else in west Africa but international demands for gold have not done anything to stop increasing poverty in the region. One villager, Teberebie, speaks out: "The heck with gold. We need soil to cultivate coco, palm trees and other food. The most vital factors are our basic needs." Mine operations in the region fail to replace traditional livelihoods. Agricultural workers are sidelined and receive less for their produce. Ghana's ground is viewed globally as a treasure but it is seen as a curse by those who live there. This episode of People & Power aired from Tuesday, July 08, 2008.     More from: AljazeeraEnglish