France, Jan. 29 -- Illegal mining has become a crippling burden on Ghana, wreaking havoc on the nation's water bodies, land, and even claiming lives. Despite repeated efforts by successive governments, the problem remains unresolved.

It is estimated that over 1.1 million people are engaged in illegal mining across Ghana, with youth unemployment being a key driver. Foreign nationals from Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, and China are also involved in these activities.

The country's cocoa industry is under severe threat as illegal mining devastates cocoa farms. As the world's second-largest cocoa producer - responsible for around 20% of global supply - Ghana is losing vast tracts of farmland to mining operations.

Who were the winners and loser...