Ghana is a global gold mining powerhouse and Africa's biggest producer.

The informal mining sector of gold – known locally as “galamsey” - is a big election issue here. There have been recent marches demanding tougher action against illegal miners in Accra. But illegal mining is also a major source of employment. More than a million Ghanaians make their living from galamsey.

We hear from local galamsey miners and look at the negative impact this industry is having on both the workers in terms of health, the environment, and the wider community.

(Picture: Man holding a bucket in an open-pit gold mine in Ghana.)

Presented and produced by Ed Butler

In the first of a two part series ahead of Ghana’s presidential election, we are in Accra asking how much the economy is influencing how people vote.

The country has faced one of Africa’s worst financial crises in recent years, and the recovery seems to be underway, but is this translating to how workers and business owners feel?

There are 13 presidential candidates, and we hear from representatives of the two front runners. We find out about their plans for the economy.

Produced and presented by Ed Butler

We speak to the great-grandson of the Italian coffee legend, about growing a family business into a global brand, balancing tradition with innovation, and even a light-hearted clash with Emily in Paris.

(Picture: Giuseppe Lavazza at the company's coffee production and training facility in Turin, Italy. Credit: Getty Images)

Presented and produced by Leanna Byrne

Advent calendars have evolved from the simple cardboard doors or chocolate treats to a multimillion-dollar premium industry; with major companies using them as a powerful brand awareness tool.

We find out why the design of an advent calendar is more important than ever, with many retailers investing in appearance and reusability; and we hear from environmental groups who are still concerned about the amount of waste.

Plus - are the products in these more extravagant calendars actually worth the money?

(Picture: An apartment window decorated with advent calendar and traditional electric Christmas candlestick. Credit: Getty Images)

Presented and produced by Deborah Weitzmann

In the run up to the US election, prices of food, gas and housing were never far from voter’s minds.

We head to Pennsylvania where food prices have risen faster than anywhere in the US to find out what it’s like for people day-to-day.

And we look at what President-elect Donald Trump has said he could do to help people.

Will it work?

Presented and produced by Monica Miller

We’re in Delhi, looking at the impact of extreme pollution levels on workers and businesses in recent weeks.

Non-essential trucks have been banned from going into the city, and offices have asked 50% of staff to work from home.

Local markets, cafes and restaurants, as well as shopping malls, have seen a 20-30% decline in foot traffic.

Meanwhile labourers, rickshaw pullers, delivery riders and other workers paid a daily wage, have no choice but to go outside to earn a living.

In neighbouring Pakistan, air pollution has also far exceeded safe levels. We hear how people in Lahore are coping.

Presented and produced by Devina Gupta

We look at England and Wales' new cricket format - which is now up for sale.

The one hundred ball format was designed to attract news fans to the game. Each team is tied to a UK city or region and the first tournament was held in 2021.

Now the organisers are selling a 49% stake in each of the teams, and they're hoping to attract Indian investment, liked to the IPL.

So will it pay off?

Produced and presented by Alex Capstick

(Image: Jofra Archer bowling during The Hundred Men's Final at Lord's, London in August 2024. Credit: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

The legendary sprinter revolutionised athletics with his unique running style and record-breaking performances.

Michael Johnson is a four-time Olympic gold medallist who earned millions of dollars through prize money and sponsorships.

Now he's back with a plan to transform athletics with the Grand Slam Track league — a new competition featuring a $12.6 million prize fund.

He's hoping it will elevate financial opportunities for today's athletes and ignite inspiration for future generations.

Produced and presented by Sam Fenwick.

(Image: Michael Johnson carries the American Flag after winning gold in the Men's 200m during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Credit: Mike Hewitt /Allsport/Getty Images)

It’s a place where people meet to network and make connections - and most people have never set foot in one.

These exclusive establishments, in cities around the world, are reportedly more popular than ever.

So what goes on behind those hallowed doors? And how can people get in?

We look at the history of these exclusive clubs, find out how to join, and ask whether they have a future.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]

Produced and presented by Elizabeth Hotson

(Image: Members of the Harvard Club use the lounge to read and socialise in 2022, in the midtown neighborhood of New York City. Credit: Getty Images)

We’re in Madrid to discover a new way to power urban electric vehicles. No longer charging but swapping your batteries, or charging at your desk.

We meet the people trying it out, and speak to leading motor journalists to see if this really is a game changer in electric vehicle driving in cities.

(Picture: Black Electric SUV swapping battery pack in battery swap station. Credit: Getty Images)

Presented and produced by Rick Kelsey

A year ago, the Commonwealth Games looked dead and buried. The Australian state of Victoria had pulled out of hosting the 2026 edition due to spiralling costs, and in Canada, the province of Alberta had stepped back from bidding for the 2030 edition.

But now Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow, has ridden to the rescue, agreeing to host the 2026 Games. It says its scaled back, lower-budget model for doing so could encourage poorer countries to do the same in the future.

How realistic is that? Is Glasgow 2026 the last hurrah for an anachronistic sporting event, inextricably tied to the British empire, or does it really represent a fresh start?

(Picture: A Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 delegation in Glasgow, UK. Credit: BBC)

Presented and produced by Gideon Long

The Suez Canal was once one of the busiest global shipping routes – a third of the world's shipping containers normally pass through it.

Since the Houthis began to attack passing ships last year, the volume of vessels going through has declined rapidly.

The canal is run by the Egyptian government, and fewer ships means less foreign currency coming into the economy.

And it’s not just revenue from ships that Egypt is losing, it’s also losing tourists, as many people cancel their trips and spend their dollars elsewhere.

We speak to businesses in Cairo to see how they’re being impacted by these changes, and ask, as Egypt loses out, are other countries winning? Presented and produced by Hannah Mullane (Image: A ship transits the Suez Canal towards the Red Sea on November 3, 2024 in Egypt. Credit: Getty Images)