Gold

In recent years, African economies have encountered an array of global challenges that can only be described as a perfect storm. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic still ripple through these nations, leaving them grappling with slowed economic growth, mounting debt, and strained fiscal positions. It's akin to a ship trying to navigate through heavy fog, where visibility is limited, yet the journey must continue. Have we collectively learned enough from this turmoil to chart a safer course? Compounding…

Ghana Directs Foreign Nationals to Exit Local Gold Market by April 30, 2025 It was barely a year ago when a conversation over coffee in Accra turned to the booming gold trade and the significant presence of foreign entities involved. My companion, a dedicated small-scale miner by profession, voiced a wary hope, "One day, perhaps, Ghana will have better control of its own precious resources." It seems now, that day has come. On April 14, Ghana officially announced a sweeping directive urging all foreign nationals…

The yearning for certainty in a turbulent market is palpable, especially when political decisions add layers of unpredictability. This is a sentiment echoed by many investors amidst the upheavals caused by policy shifts, notably those under Trump's administration. In the world of finance, where assurance is as rare as a unicorn, gold has emerged as a beacon. From a price of just over $2,000, it's climbed above $3,000, marking one of the most significant surges for…

On an intriguing Saturday in March 2025, a thought-provoking post emerged from Dr. Forson on X, formerly known as Twitter. It wasn't just a casual tweet; it was a call to arms against the shadowy corridors of Ghana's gold smuggling scene that gnaw at the heart of the nation's economy. Imagine strolling through a marketplace, every corner brimming with the vibrant pulse of life. Now picture how that energy dims when the wealth that should fuel such vibrancy slips insidiously into the abyss of illicit trade.…

Current Market Conditions and Silver's Performance in 2024 In 2024, silver prices jumped by an impressive 18%, outpacing gold's more modest growth. What fueled this surge? Mainly, it was a mix of inflationary pressures and heightened industrial demand, particularly from the renewable energy sector. Unlike gold, which is traditionally seen as a safe-haven asset, silver holds a dual role—it serves both as an investment asset and as an industrial metal. This duality provides silver with a unique advantage in volatile…

The digital landscape in Africa is evolving at a fascinating pace. A recent report by AppsFlyer, crafted in collaboration with Google, highlights a compelling trend: financial apps are not just making waves—they are reshaping the mobile app ecosystem across the continent. The Dominance of Financial Apps Let's take a journey through the bustling streets of technology evolution. Between 2023 and 2024, particularly in the first quarter, financial applications…

The allure of gold has long dazzled investors; it's the ultimate symbol of wealth and a steadfast safe-haven asset. This year, it has continued to shine, reaching unprecedented highs. But why, you ask, has gold captured so much attention in 2023? On a calm morning at exactly 6:30 a.m. ET, spot gold saw a notable increase of 0.4%, climbing just over the remarkable $3,001 per ounce mark. Such a milestone raises questions about what fuels this glittering rally? Investors are increasingly seeking refuge in…

Since its independence from British colonial rule in 1957, Ghana has orchestrated a remarkable symphony of progress in various sectors. The gold mining industry plays a pivotal role, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. But what trajectory has it taken over the decades, and what does it suggest about the country's future? Today, Ghana stands tall as Africa’s leading gold exporter. This accolade has become both a blessing and a burden, as economic growth often shadows…

Mali's Mining Landscape: An Era of Reform and Reflection As Mali's Council of Ministers announced, there is a newly imposed halt on the issuance of artisanal mining permits to foreigners. This measure stands amidst ongoing investigations prompted by a recent, heart-wrenching mining calamity. A stark reality looms over us: how do we balance economic pursuits with the sanctity of human lives? This thoughtful pause is an aftermath of a catastrophic mining accident just a month ago. A tragedy that took over 40…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — Thieves orchestrated an audacious heist at Southdale Center in Edina, making off with a whopping $700,000 in gold from Gift Jewelers. The shop owner, Omar Mahamud, is reeling from the hit, while detectives are trying to unravel this near-perfect crime. Barely had the store closed its doors for the night, when at around half-past eight, sounds of drilling echoed — captured by surveillance. The crooks carved their path through a nearby bathroom wall, then sliced through the barriers to the jewel…