Oil promises - how oil changed a country | DW Documentary

When oil was discovered in Ghana in 2007, the country began to dream big. It dreamed that the ‘black gold’ would bring economic upswing and long-awaited prosperity to its nation. But what happens when dreams and globalization meet?
The global economy continues to rely on oil - but the so-called ‘black gold’ is becoming scarce. If a country has oil, so we tend to believe, it has all it needs to become a wealthy country. When oil was discovered in Ghana in 2007, Ghanaians also believed that economic prosperity would soon sweep over their country. By 2010, drilling had started. Ghana was determined to do better than Nigeria, a country that exports oil, but has to import gasoline.
This documentary, shot over a period of ten years, is a case study of globalization. Filmed in a coastal region where people lived off fishing and rubber cultivation for decades, it shows the impact the oil discovery has had on their lives. Would the promises come true? Would the ‘black gold’ bring modern life and progress, paved streets, electricity and jobs even to small villages? Filmmaker Elke Sasse and journalist Andrea Stäritz spent ten years documenting the developments on Ghana’s western coast. Nigerian animator Ebele Okoye adds her personal perspective through art, as a citizen of a nation hit by the oil curse.
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[@THISIS4REALTHO]

Somewhere in New York, London and Paris, Someone just bought s multimillion apartment from this oil resource. Another got a multimillion bonus. The villagers still wait on God to deliver blessings.

[@mustafaakkoclar1272]

if somwhere in newyork, london, paris, rich people buy apartmen, its not big problem actually. but if they travel a lot, spend natural resources, produce more plastic its much more problem for humanity. remember morgage and 2008 crisys many millioners become homeless. if we use ghanians petrol for better life for other countrys, thats doesnt make the company bad, they sell their petrol, and descrise the prices. main problem is they didint pay anything for locals and they destroyed their life, atleast %10 of revenue should go to eletrcty and water for locals

[@alanbbrady8196]

Spot on! This is why the Scots STILL think they will in some weird way benefit from oil that they think they own...... Its always gonna stay in the pockets of the Corporations. It is big business that is wreaking havoc on the World not ordinary people.

[@Eddybarrett84]

Communist China in its 1/2 state owned 1/2 privately held companys are doing these massive projects in Africa, most countries are now indebted to communist China (ccp) research it before you assume......China is doing things way worst than the west ever did, in past 50 years

[@sharkb8754]

@@Eddybarrett84 Another brainwashed muppet lol. The Chinese entered into African countries because the terms offered by Western companies were just downright akin to slavery. Funny how the Africans favoured the Chinese over the old colonial power. The Chinese simply outbid the old colonial power, and offered better terms to the Africans. You do realise how much the West has stolen from Africa in the last century? ;)

[@b3at2]

This world is crazy.

[@andyakamitang6987]

Being a Nigerian myself, I remember telling a friend of mine from Ghana that the people of Ghana must learn lessons from Nigeria"s misfortune with oil but alas! 10 years on, my fears have come to pass. This is the story of Africa. Our resources are more of a curse than blessings. No thanks to inept and corrupt leaders.

[@worldincredibletv2846]

Atleast we have the oil to fund free education and provide 24hrs light

[@bertobertoberto3]

Resources are a blessing. What’s a curse is the people you allow to come into the country and take charge

[@godwinejiofor8064]

@@worldincredibletv2846 there is no 24 hour electricity in Ghana also how many of you in Ghana dont start what you can not finish

[@barbarabarnes4398]

The same with slavery. Corrupt kings sold their people for God knows what...

[@beyourself2444]

I tell my Guyanese friends the same thing about Trinidad and Tobago issues. We are no where as bad as Nigeria but the waste over our last 100 years is just sad

[@TayoAinaFilms]

This is an amazing documentary. 10 years to shoot this! Wow. It’s really sad that we Africans haven’t opened our eyes to the fact that the people in power don’t have the people at heart. There is so much exploitation going on in Africa and it’s so saddening!

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Yeah well it's a lot easier to blame the white man 60 years later even though african riches are spent by corrupted politician *TODAY* Enough money to feed the population. Just come to major european cities to see how the sons and wifes of African politicians live in multi-million € apartments/villas and a 10 supercar garage !!! They literally blow through TENS OF MILLIONS € every year (seen it myself) !! Africa is poor because the politicians *SYPHON AWAY* BILLIONS of € Remember how much money they found in UK, Switzerland and France when Gaddafi was killed? Yeah, *HUNDREDS* of millions of € just sitting there, not to mention the *BILLIONS* his family already spent on boats, cars, properties and so on.

[@TheRealBleach]

@@SpaghettiKillah True. In Mauritius the amount of corruption is unbelievable. The nation has a goal to become the Singapore of Africa but it is never going to happen so long as corruption stays in place

[@maitreya1906]

Same as the bad old days: mzungu shows up on a ship with a toothbrush, Schnapps and a mirror. The chief takes the shiny objects in exchange for his neighbors mother and children

[@bf1822]

@@SpaghettiKillah Africa and Africans are not poor, they live their cultures. America had more poverty and homelessness than any country in the world. Itiswhatitis. Africa and Africans are aware of their richness and resources. They don't need jack from America..America and others need them..

[@jimmygrant424]

What you need is some of these more educated (and I mean no offense in any way whatsoever) blacks from America who can represent the people of Ghana to get the most for the people. That way they could prove that it's really about taking care of their own people and not just about blaming the white man (that certain people have trained them to blame instead of them)

[@stephenssali6511]

Credit to the entire team, 10 years of filming 🔥🔥

[@io_inc]

Africa doesn't need investors we need the knowledge to process these damn things ourselves!!!

[@harryspapadopoulos8818]

Same here in Greece bro, it is really sad☹️

[@jesusisjerryallahistom]

first you need to promote african culture, education, get rid of the abrahamic religions so that you can achieve unity amongst different tribes, then start thinking about science/technique.

[@halyeydhaladah5831]

The knowledge is there, it's the politicians that are corrupt.

[@adrean3693]

Information is the true power.The more others know than you is the more advantage they have over you

[@paulaburch4499]

Their greed knows no limits nor the atrocities they will commit to feed it.

[@DelightLovesMovies]

This made me cry for real. My heart goes to the people of Ghana. DW always makes really good documentaries.

[@commenterperson4481]

sometimes... No media group is perfect, but for a German company, they are trying...to be globally relevant in emedia business. (hopefully once they capture the global market share that they seek, their more lucrative agenda will primarily focus on GLOBAL-HUMAN-KIND, not some people over others.)

[@kennykross3306]

This nothing but fake news another German fake news.

[@commenterperson4481]

@@kennykross3306 KOOL

[@ahmednasir2630]

The west dump thousands of tones in african oceans that is what western media is hiding

[@rhythmicnarratives]

@@kennykross3306 The poverty aint fake people are sinking deep in poverty. Either you a fool or enjoying the exploitation of these poor people.

[@timberwolfe1645]

Thank you DW for taking 5 trips over 9 years to give us this video. This is Real News and briging the real issues of the world to the forefront

[@rainbow3649]

I cant stop crying. The man at the end, walked away crying! That did it for me! Are our so called leaders sleeping or just blatant disrespect for human lives?!

[@boonwolf9266]

Someone's pockets got filled nothing has changed for centuries probably never will

[@matemm52]

@@boonwolf9266 yes, chinese pockets

[@sweetkwaku123]

The beaches being super white and clean in 2010 vs polluted in 2019 hurt soo much in so many ways. Great work

[@ThomasKorwaOtuoma]

very true, 2010 even the towns, villages and people are really clean/ neat..there is a semblance of order

[@T.v.d.V]

It has a name..... economic development and progress

[@fredpuntdroad8701]

@Thanos Price Oh shut up with your racist narratives. Chinese colonisation is a lot more predatory than European colonisation ever was.

[@biglebowski7418]

@@fredpuntdroad8701 Stating facts is racist now? Ok snowflake

[@obieWanmotivation]

@Thanos Price you sound so silly. I doubt you bothered to watch the documentary 😰

[@Nkomazi]

Just for making this documentary, you guys deserve an Award. DW and all the journalists who took part in this thank you. I wish more journalists in the world would learn from this documentary. Thank you. I am watching you from South Africa - 17 Dec 2020.

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @Comfort Jombe , Thanks a lot for watching and taking the time to share your positive feedback with us! We really appreciate hearing from you. :-) All the best to you in South Africa, The DW Documentary Team

[@Nkomazi]

@Joppa Kolla the problem is how can we solve this problem in Africa? 🙏.

[@nmg1909]

@@Nkomazi Revolution is the solution. All these political robbers in high places have to be flushed out entirely.

[@muellerhans]

If you feel like that the Tripartite Alliance is also corrupt (can't say that from outside but I mention them cause they claim to be leftists. Got that from the List of political parties in South Africa from wikipedia) then yes, revolution is the answer. Also parties that follow Economic liberalism or Conservatism are just lost.

[@chinwenduchinwe586]

@@Nkomazi Those ones need to stop selling out.

[@ghanalauracelestina5994]

This documentary MUST go out to the WORLD !!!

[@bigshotJC]

As someone from another small village in India, i can feel the plight of them. My brothers and sisters, we will survive no matter what. I'm here for you too.

[@docholladay7638]

Oscar winning documentary of the decade. Hands down.

[@delwynsmith3460]

On

[@ickebins6948]

When was the last time a really great movie won an oscar? ... An oscar has nothing to do with the quality or message on a movie....

[@vershawnsea9219]

@@ickebins6948 wat does it have to do with then

[@ickebins6948]

@@vershawnsea9219 If you have to ask that question... Maybe watch those "masterpieces" and ask yourself that exact thing afterwards.

[@vershawnsea9219]

@@ickebins6948 I I mean I get wat ur saying. I jus wanted u to say it

[@Loveforderivatives]

The teacher seems honest and intelligent Wish him loads of luck

[@ingridsoulwriters314]

Teacher is blind while sighted .

[@burningember8531]

His Name is Matthew, he has Patrick and Charles as his student.

[@ashwell2078]

This documentary is really inspiring for so many reasons. It represents the endurance and patience of our African people on so many levels. It's really heartbreaking because I'm from South Africa and have personal experience of living and working in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and traveling via Accra, Ghana. I also have many friends from Ghana, who are still in contact with me, since I left WA in 2014. Thank you so much for this documentary... It literally had me stuck and praying at the same time for ways to go back to go back to Ghana and Sierra Leone, to help establish training and development for the locals, which is much needed. We need to find ways to come together and just create platforms of assistance in any way possible. All they need is a helping hand and to develop the minds of the young and the skills of the youth and elderly.

[@a.konadu4010]

As a Ghanaian...this documentary hit home. My heart aches for the villagers who were lied to. Im not surprised at all...sadly.🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭

[@shahamil6996]

It's sad oooo. Am caribbean but this makes me sad how they lied and rob these people. They build their hopes up just to crushed it. The lies and more lies.

[@OmenkaUlonka]

I am immensely touched by the comments, appreciation, analysis and insights. Thank you all so much! Ebele Okoye (Omenka Ulonka) Co-director/Animator/Commentator And of course to Deutsche Welle for putting this out there for the world

[@thirdafrican1947]

we appreciate your work thank you

[@gosbertchagula7917]

Great doc. Heartbreaking. The villagers were sacrificed in a bigger game of geo politics between Ghana, China and its international partners. Looking back, those jobs were never going to locals. Deals had already be done to bring in foreign workers.

[@anocheceres]

This is amazing! I hope your work keeps flourishing.

[@ivelawgrandison355]

Stop commenting and read ur scriptures,,Al our answers are there,,do u undestand who u are in Him,,no amount of comments or lament can change,what is happening to us worldwide,return to the one who really cares for His people.read in ur scriptures 1 peter2:25 and u will make different comments if u believe..thank u.😃👍

[@stelios709]

An excellent piece of work highlighting how the innocent people of Ghana have not only deceived by these oil and gas companies, but also by their own people; their politicians. Very informative, bringing global attention to such a serious issue.

[@irridentist]

Dw is on whole another level with these documentaries.

[@AKAHEIZER]

That truly was a great one, and it was well founded by the German Government, you can read it in the credits, Goethe institute is one of them. Goethe the "World Human" open to the world, to all humans and beliefs ( at least for his time). DW should keep their momentum to point finger to all these topics because in many other Media Channels they are not getting enough attention.

[@angiecontreras845]

exactly

[@Dreamlink91]

Lmao commenting on your own channel from another acc.

[@bf1822]

Keep the devils away

[@nw6772]

@@AKAHEIZER ffcccccccccfff did

[@neomokoatle4116]

As Africans We have to Stand up and fight. Thank You DW for this amazing production

[@aakash26159]

Nobody can imagine, what these people have gone through all these years. My heart cries and I say literally my heart cries. As and Indian I can understand the pain of my fellow Ghanaians. Thanks DW for bringing out this.

[@mw2kingk]

I can imagine

[@user-uc1xp2kn6d]

If you are watching this as an African and your red alarms are not ringing. May God help us we are heading to dark times

[@mysacredenergy2111]

We are not heading to dark times. This is just the awakening. You are now conscious of what has been going on in Africa for decades because of the documentation.

[@akyhne]

Similar things happens in western countries as well. It's nothing new.

[@milesinnz]

@@akyhne indeed, but western countries have not suffered the same population explosions...

[@ahmednasir2630]

@@milesinnz mr the west dump thousands of tones in african oceans. Amd thats the reality your media is tryng to hide

[@milesinnz]

@@ahmednasir2630 dumping thousands of tonnes of what in African oceans ???

[@PedroFerreira-ze5yp]

Only one thing I ask from DW Docs: NEVER EVER STOP!

[@AshwaniKumar-lf6nr]

Tb

[@AshwaniKumar-lf6nr]

. H free w5he t. Yt

[@WellnessandTruthMinistry]

They’re the best!!

[@cowgoesmoo3850]

They make such awesome, high quality documentaries.

[@lukey9220]

You'd think African people would have learned by now once they have taken the resources, thrown a pittance at the locals the companies flee. That's big business. Run by absolute psychos who care about themselves however much they try to polish that turd up, persuading people to let them move in and drain a population of resource wealth and hope.

[@gersonuamang5189]

10 year for making this documentary with the same people. This is amazing. God bless

[@traceyeffah4251]

Woww thnx for this video. Didn't know how Village life was.Too much deceit and corruption. These villagers deserve all the good life. God bless their hustle.

[@traceyyeoman8391]

Too exploit innocent people with hope, is the most heinous thing to do in my opinion. they were willing and able. The ways of the world. Makes one sick to the stomach.

[@tazboy1934]

Yup they seem like strong man that are ready to work to develop their land but government dont provide opportunities

[@danielwells774]

I cringed when I heard of all the development they had planned. Who would visit that massive hotel and would the refinery really add value? There is a reason why Nigeria doesn't refine their oil.

[@flyguychance99]

Fr

[@traceyyeoman8391]

@White Dragon I cry every day, our world is not what I believe the good Lord intended.

[@megzfmegzf8559]

I felt exactly the same, sick to my stomach watching the industries crawl in and take advantage of the populations needs, then they trick them into excess, everything they don't need but think they want, just look at the West and where it has gotten us. These people might be poor but they have families, community and all the simple things we take for granted. What a world we live in, unless we stand up and do better it will only get worse and more corrupt.

[@stevwesono]

I'm a Ghanaian and breaks my heart. The story of gold in Ghana is even worse

[@charleswomack2166]

It's sad because 100% of the people from Ghana that I have met are genuinely nice people!

[@charleswomack2166]

Perhaps we should take 10,000 people or so and send them to college in the US in exchange for oil, or gold or even cacao beens.

[@stevwesono]

@@charleswomack2166 Many of our leaders had their education in foreign countries like the US. Big problem is corruption is deep rooted in our institutions

[@ickebins6948]

@@charleswomack2166 Or maybe start educating your people yourself. Basic knowledge is the start.

[@jimmygrant424]

@@ickebins6948 your last sentence says it all!!!! Excellent advice!!!

[@itskimviernes]

10years in the making to deliver this amazing documentary. That’s really fantastic work! Poor Ghana people they suffered alot from this oil exploration. Oil and gas companies have no mercy to this people.

[@jenilnada3948]

Wholesome..🤝 Through this documentary anyone from anywhere feel the situation of ghana!

[@fawziaabdurrahman2251]

the patience of making a 10yr documentary. incredible!

[@eazydazit]

Kudos to these Docu-makers. What a commendable commitment to see through all these years. We need dhalinyaro Somaliyeed oo sameeya this kinda long term documentary in our country

[@bloozickmedia]

This is one of the most impactful documentary I have ever watched

[@austineochieng8117]

Absolutely, it has touched my heart😒

[@freepalestinefreekashmirno3160]

Watch occupation101

[@maxwellmc9734]

Me too

[@loisbullock3151]

Drilling could possibly taint the water & food supply.

[@toobadbrother]

Now I understannd the insurgency in Mozambique. YOU just cannot mess up the expectations of Africans just like that anymore You can't.

[@bryok1091]

Thanks for the incredible story... Ugandans following the recent oil discovery are now having similar excitement - amazing how Africans don't learn from each other. God bless us

[@EnchantedJewelzEmpire]

Goodness 💔💔💔😩😓😓😓

[@johnmcclellan9020]

This is when a genius producer of content hits a home run. Being Canadian it was nice to see the Maple Leafs shirt on the guy near the end.

[@kofia5166]

Thank you for this documentary. I like what you said about the lack of protests. Ghanaians suffer from the "give it to God" syndrome. We believe that somebody is going to fight for us.

[@dmerc9210]

This is where Nigerians are different. They say we are "loud". No, I rather say we are assertive, which is why rather than suffer continuously in silence, the youths of the Niger Delta decided that the language of force was the only language the govt would hear. But 11 years after the amnesty, the momentum of change there has also been lost.

[@millybrown7209]

They are ridiculously calm and patient...

[@joshmercer8980]

That's really sad. No one will fight for you.

[@MercyMazmida]

I think Ghanaians pretend to be peaceful but dying in silent. They never fight they always agree with everything and say that they do not fight hehe...If you can't fight for your rights or protest then you are as hopelesss .

[@kdvr766]

Dont worry america will fight for anyone as long as you have oil 🤣

[@augustoleandro4860]

This documentary has affected me this week... my grandfather came from this part of Ghana, It’s the most beautiful part of the country and all I can say is I feel pain and anger for these simple people asking for nothing but the least after their natural wealth is being taken right in front of them😔😔😔😔😔

[@deidradahl2802]

This presenter's voice and delivery is golden, a well done documentary, I've watched this video a number of times

[@ashutoshgoswami9913]

One of the most brilliant documentary. Best wishes and hats off to the entire Production team. Best wishes from India.

[@rodgerbloor6680]

Finally I am happy they at least got electricity. The Chinese never bring employment they bring more Chinese. One of the most beautiful documentaries made. Too good.

[@rodgerbloor6680]

@@pyrat3538 Oh come on China is not only the country which has built infrastructure many countries have done it. UAE has done it using South Asians, Americans have done it using mexicans, Singapore has done it using Chinese and Indians. May be africans might be untrained but as shown in the documentary they were trained and yet there weren't given the job.

[@rodgerbloor6680]

@@pyrat3538 of course China will use more cement. China used that much cement because it had demand. China's population is nearly 4-5 times the size of the USA. It is obvious that China has high demand for cement.

[@louvendran7273]

@@piotrtrebisz6602 Volkswagen is huge in South Africa.

[@Ahoto_papa_bi]

What you don’t see in this video is the working attitude of the ppl in the village. Any business that builds factories in these villages regrets employing the locals. You will end up firing all of them and bringing ppl from the city to work. Villagers will forget to turn machines off. You will remind them every day to turn it off, but they won’t. It sounds like a joke but that’s the reality. That’s even just one example to give. Some can even put diesel where petrol is suppose to go and break a machine that cost $100000s, and that’s after training them how to use the machine.

[@sadiqadams917]

@@Ahoto_papa_bi u're so right but some folks will refuse to understand that part.

[@kitgumayegang2562]

The moment a local decide to address the villagers in foreign language that's when i know something fishy is about to unfold

[@commenterperson4481]

@Teboho Moloi LOL at "oily"

[@OmenkaUlonka]

@Teboho Moloi LOL oily indeed. slippery.. dangerous

[@visitequatorialguinea5024]

Well Spoken... Insightfull

[@topnotch676]

Lol To confuse them

[@cherylhelsby4897]

It is their land. It is their natural resource. They are being stolen right out from under their feet! They are clapping for getting jobs working in a hotel. I understand wanting work, however, it is their rightful possession.

[@ibrahimniftiyev]

Marvelous work. I truly enjoyed watching this documentary as an economist from an oil-rich country.

[@lakandula3767]

Love this documentary....DW Documentaries is just perfect...

[@kapambwekapambwe4131]

Big ups to the film crew, the dedication to shoot and follow up on the families/characters for 10yrs is beyond mind blowing.

[@brentspang9092]

All of the sudden, I have a strong urge to tour Princess Town, Ghana.

[@OmenkaUlonka]

Shall we all meet for a drink there when the pandemic improves?

[@udayrathod3786]

Me too from India.

[@7Bullseyes]

@@OmenkaUlonka moi aussi, I have to go back to Abidjan soon. Princess Town looks like my kinda people,I'm gonna see them soon !!!

[@mariamu1239]

I'm looking for flights in June ,😁😁

[@skyjacksonA1]

Me too I think I will go this summer

[@manonoor5379]

One of a kind documentary,it as really touched me.congrants and continue the good work.

[@fleningmagny4506]

This channel has opened my eyes to so much.

[@knickerbocker589]

The authenticity of the people interviewed touches me. It makes me think.

[@ghirardellichocolate201]

They have no law, so everything is pure feelings, so touching after all, including having 10 children.

[@saisubhash1]

@@ghirardellichocolate201 stfu Nd get back to your western country.

[@justinaduna6946]

When I was doing my first degree at University of Cape Coast, Ghana. During one of our lectures at oil and gas lecturing, we were told then that " The share of the oil companies in our own land can only be find on the New York and London Stock Markets'. I wept that day. A Ghanaian cannot buy those shares from the Ghana Stock Market. Too bad.

[@Skipbo000]

Ghana has a stock market??

[@worldchangingvideos6253]

And they wouldn't want to. Better to go with solar and wind.

[@kingfixtech]

You guys really nailed it 💯..... Awesome job together all these together for years ❤

[@lloydshinaali]

Watching from Nairobi, Kenya. Special thanks to the team that compiled this documentary indeed we have seen the adverse effects of bad leadership. A bad leader can take a good project and destroy it, causing the citizens to flee and the remainder to lose all motivation. There is no more dangerous menace to civilization than a government of incompetent, corrupt or vile men.

[@anthonyranblog961]

I like this DW Documentary because people tell their stories.

[@babaku8510]

People telling me that you like this

[@Arctic-fox717]

Top material for dream background. I was dreaming guys eating [-----] meat chips.

[@condorX2]

Yep. They shine a spot light on them without interrupting. I also like their smiles. They seem happy knowing they're enduring a long hardship to help their family.

[@mirosaleem2327]

@@babaku8510 0⁰

[@commenterperson4481]

NOTE: it's still easy to control the narratives by not only choosing the types of people to interview, but also selectively excluding some interviews while editing the video. There's this youtuber (Yuta Japanese Man) that includes everyone he interviews. I don't care about some of his content (e.g. Japanese-animations, etc), however I like his approach to staying as objective as possible, e.g. by including everyone he interviews in the video. He makes is clear that it's a random sample, names the location were he sampled people, and finally makes it clear that these are opinions of just those individuals, and might change depending on the date, location, etc. DW is doing well. It will help if they also start including all interviewed people; including the date of interview and location. Anyway, people telling their own stories is awesome; I agree.

[@melvynabraham-hagan7674]

I am deeply moved by the spirit of people in this part of Ghana. I being a Ghanaian but British Born have taken so many things for granted. I am inspired to go to Ghana this year after things have settled with the pandemic and instead of promising actually go and do what I can to help those in proximity. Small victories go a long way, these people are willing and intelligent: they just need the opportunities to express their divine right as sovereign beings of the Earth.

[@winniexxx1865]

Melvyn you are Brain drain Stay home return to fight for.Your Ppls

[@vicparmisano9282]

you can go back to ghana and help develop and share your knowledge to your country.

[@warriordog4094]

Melvyn Abraham - Hagan.....we black people who are better off then our country man need to go back to help our people....a pebble dropped in a pond can create ripples .....

[@ChanIzKineske]

I encourage you to do so! Read this please "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" Dostoevsky. Beautiful story.

[@gussampson5029]

People make their own opportunities or they perish. People cannot be helped unless they're willing to help themselves.

[@fitnessfoodflow3785]

What a great documentary! thank you for covering it for over a decade! Although it made me cry and feel insurmountable anger watching Ghana and the beautiful Ghanian people being lied to and taken advantage of for their resources, I am grateful for the opportunity to hear the people's journey and the effects over time. My heart goes out to all of them. The courage, strength and positive attitude of Ghanian people is inspiring. I pray you all receive many future blessings and a better life. LOTS of LOVE

[@SteveMclarenF1LM]

The teacher/ Tour guide sat and waited in more or less the exact same spot for a decade.. such conviction and patience. I pray things get better for Ghana and the entire region. Malaysia is lucky when we found oil, our leaders didn't squander it for themselves. It has to be said though, when will the western powers give back what they have taken from Africa over a millennia?

[@jjdelft3216]

Why millenia, I dont know any colonies for that long? How do you calculate the final sum? Is it only Western countries to former colonies, or do they also have claims between them? Or is it only for colonies longer than X years, to ignore the Japanese colonies for instance? And how far do you go back in the responsibility of states? Does Italy need to pay to all the former parts of the Roman Empire to make up for what once happened there? It is not that simple, the legal precedent that it sets isnt either, because slavery and colonialism has existed in some form everywhere at some time between different peoples.

[@l1ncs]

Tragic. It’s so clear that romantic naivety is being fully exploited. Companies should be able to be pursued for crimes against humanity.

[@stormworks4882]

its no different then countless eminent domain siezures to build highways and other government projects here in the US. sometimes people get displaced. IT happens quit having this never ending pity party for Africa. LET THEM DEVELOP their own countries geez. and if they choose to accept outside investment thats a SMART MOVE

[@biplobbiswas3323]

Now where are those BIG MOUTH Human Rights Intellectuals..??

[@lexneuron]

@@biplobbiswas3323 , They are all bunkered up in their own silos shouting loud with megaphones, as always. 🤣🤣🤣

[@playthegame7445]

@LINCS This is where you're wrong, companies come and go in every country is the same, nothing will change if the politicians will not be held responsible for their actions. People should stop casting their vote on cheap lies

[@BalamagaRogers]

Africans we are very patient people

[@buckwheat6245]

It's almost like the producers of the documentary knew the villagers were going to get screwed eventually and prepared for it. Great doc!

[@LillPoss]

why almost? its been common practice for decades now

[@albertgibson9905]

This saddens me ! ☹ the gas companys are liers theves and cold very cold,they have been destroying lik a cancer ,anything in the way they take over.what some people lik gas companys do everything regardless of whom they hurt or kill for the old mighty dollar! And i dont no how they sleep at nite!!! Blessings Rhonda from southwest Virginia 😭

[@Chidozie01]

Some of the producers are Nigerians and they've seen everything first hand, even the Ghanaians made reference not to be like the Nigerians

[@tanjimpurno2560]

Everybody knew they were going to be screwed.

[@1catmac]

@@albertgibson9905 it’s not just oil/gas companies. Look at textile industry

[@MediaHouse74]

What a documentary it is ! 10 years, top class 👏

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@davidjanuary5838]

This is heart breaking. They were filled with fake promises. Their livelihoods were affected. Love from South Africa. My heart was so happy, when things looked promising but they were polluted with lies.

[@dantoinettetaylor1663]

It does not take a lot to give back to these people. My heart cries out for them

[@lightarrow1684]

I would like to share something: in Angola an entire fishing community was destroyed to build a "touristic resourt". in the end, the project was cancelled but the fishermen had been already sent way. The natural bay was ruined and the fishermen cannot use it. Besides, their boats and former houses were destroyed... This was one of the megalomaniac projects of the Dos Santos family. So, dear Ghanaians, dont make the same mistake :) Nowadays tourists appreciate the local culture more than before. Good and quality tourists are not looking for resourts but for natural places. There is no need to remove the fishing community. Please keep them at all costs. They are the true heart and beauty of the region :) Tourists will appreciate them and will learn to respect them :)

[@simbiolife]

dos santos got charges because of corruption but theyr capital was not all seized.

[@greendesert9163]

The Most Beautiful Satire I Ever Witnessed Were The Animations ....Thank You

[@bhimpokhrel4059]

Absolutely great documentary.

[@foursite]

People from Ghana are beautiful in and out! Please don't change with wealth. Love from an Ethiopian to my brothers and sisters in Ghana.

[@nurhayat81]

As a Ghanaian thank you. Ethiopia people are also beautiful. I have thought of marrying Ethiopian woman.

[@yevheniidudnyk740]

That is the best DW documentary I've seen, you can see issues people are facing there and make conclusions. The same is going around the globe in every country

[@commenterperson4481]

It's easy to analyze/critique others. It's much harder to focus on oneself. DW has been able to do some of this, critique aspects of Germany/Europe. Hopefully they'll continue to be even-handed. (For example, they used to conviniently disable comments on "certain" videos. Now they've hopefully stopped that nonsense.) Either case, so far, they are listening, improving, and doing well, hence why I still watch and enjoy their content.

[@princeagyapong1102]

Im Ghanaian. This is heartbreaking 💔 . Thank you DW for telling these stories the African way .

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@niiodartey2042]

This is one of the best works I have seen, great job done.... You really killed it, Its so sad to see how our local people are always left behind.... a real lesson for the men at the top...

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for the positive feedback. We really appreciate it.

[@shad.baksh1]

Poor people have only dreams. World is cruel place.

[@geoms6263]

do you still dream?

[@yafezperez7327]

They are going to get exploited from these huge cooperation

[@hse6144]

I was born dirt poor, but was able to work up and buy a house. The country you’re born in means everything.

[@noirto2]

ya the first world resource extraction operation won't ever let 3rd world truly benefit from their own resources.

[@hcpfilms435]

This is not about poverty is about how weak and corrupt these countries leaders are

[@warlokkk]

People of Ghana are beautiful! The place itself is a paradise. I am so sad to see this place go to hell as the result of corporations and corrupt governments.

[@ghirardellichocolate201]

Well all they needed was a shampoo, so before going through all the facial feature you might as well try the next shampoo.

[@estell8459]

@@ghirardellichocolate201 "???"

[@joshuakotei6261]

@S E P why are you everywhere

[@delzworld2007]

'Half the world's wealth is in the hands of 1% of the population' I think this statistic says it all. The thing that really depresses me is the question of how to change things.

[@johnmutuku4361]

this is the best documentary have ever watched,you guys have the most patient team,kudos dw

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the positive feedback, John!

[@honeyhonesty3784]

I didn't expect this quality documentary as I click this one. I was more tuning in to it as time goes. Great work! Thanks!

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @Nam, thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@joannelee2461]

Thank you DW for letting these people tell their stories.

[@drb3987]

Unbelievable story... I've used it in all my classes and reference it in my research.

[@natureview337]

Another amazing doc DW- I feel for these beautiful people.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate it! :)

[@MrEricfoamy]

The Narrator made me wept whiles watching. the fact that this video was shot 10 years ago and they followed up every 2 years means professional journalism. The journalist in GHANA ara busy chasing nothing. short of words.

[@TheMegahusky]

They took their oil and gave them seaweed!! These oil companies should be ashamed of themselves.

[@fredpuntdroad8701]

Very little left to give after all the bureaucrats they had to pay off to be allowed to drill for oil.... Hey, why not ask those corrupt officials where the money went?

[@ksat8602]

It is easy to blame companies and investors. A company’s fiduciary duty is to its shareholders but at the table of negotiations, who does the government’s official or representatives owe their allegiance to? Ghana is not the only country that these companies operate in but when it comes to the negotiating of terms of an investment, it takes a government who thinks about the people’s needs and plight to leverage the resources the companies are after in ensuring the citizenry get what is due them. Then there is the other issue of distribution or trickling down of the meager revenues that comes in as a result of the short- sighted and often myopic deals that the incumbent government ( be it NPP or NDC) negotiated. However, because of the kick-backs and the “under-the-table” bribes that a few men in their quest to amass wealth engage in, this trickling down of the proceeds often remains a mirage, all to the detriment of the larger population. When the accrual of personal wealth for foreign bank accounts is the motivation for representatives of the people at the negotiating table, you can’t expect a well-thought through plan or deal as an outcome. Even if it was enshrined in the deal that the companies were to provide these amenities, whose job is it to enforce the agreed upon rules to ensure those promises are kept? By the way, why wager the resources of a nation based on just promises? Or better still, why is not based on a comprehensive national policy that directs allocation of the revenues generated from the oil? It is not the companies’ responsibility to ensure that the small amount of revenue derived from these bad deals, trickle down to the people most affected by the exploration of those resources in the first place. In light of this, can one say that the development these two villages are originally supposed to enjoy, should be independent of the companies’ exploration activities. Should those entrusted with the basic responsibility of ensuring the reliable provision of basic infrastructure, clean drinking water and electricity relinquish their duty because a company choose to invest in Ghana? My question is has the government been collecting taxes or receiving revenues from other more established commodities like cocoa, bauxite, gold and manganese? If so, then why has either community seen barely any economic growth in the scope of 10 years? That is the real issue we should be looking at, and that in itself , despite the promises from the oil companies, is an indictment on the system of governance of the nation. Companies do have social responsibilities (promises) that they have to respond to but no company signs deals or goes into business to take on what is originally the responsibility of a government. Lastly, on the seaweed problem hindering the economic livelihoods of the fishermen, my question is whose duty is it to police the environmental or socioeconomic impact that are some of the excesses that normally comes with such exploration? Did anyone representing the Ghanaian think about that at the negotiating table? or were they in a hurry to sign the deal for a few crumbs to the detriment of the masses ten years down the line?

[@thongtran210]

oil company compensated but the government kept it to themselves. please be informed b4 blaming the wrong party.

[@docholladay7638]

The don't give 2 shits. Sad but true

[@Anup_BHU]

Most powerful documentary Thanks DW from India

[@aaronporret917]

Always love watching DW documentaries, .

[@subratesh7641]

From your videos, we know more and more about our earth 🌎

[@ivelawgrandison355]

Hello there,I m not amazed at how things are in our beloved land this cannot change unless the continent of people's(Ham)change.If we read through our scriptures we would notice that the entire world is upsidedown.We natives are the children of slaves this is because of who we are,to the most High ,some of the people in ignorance are still experiencing the curse from Deut 28:63-68,,if u believe this can relate to Ezekiel 3:5-8,, Ezekiel 33,34. Ezekiel 35:22-31,Isiah59 entire chapter,, Isaiah 65.etc etc. Our Elohim loves us to great jealousy He is Holy (agape)this is real love,,this book that Rome changed and called it Bible,,is the only true history of a God who has a people ,,but because of rebellion against Him He has given over to their enemies Esau read Malachi 1:-14 these are the people's that hate our Yah,the ones that are our enemies,because of our defiance against our Elohim. Slavery oppression and all manner of evils are our heritage,so!!! When we the offspring of the slaves begin to return to Yah He will return to us Romans11:1-11''',,,, these are just some verses of scriptures to guide us back to who we are,no matter what political party is in control,, remember that it is not about politics,,it is about this Yahuah and His rebellious black children,that love the way of the Idumea (Esau)way of life,,thanks.

[@omyhaby1912]

All African leader who were born during colonial period still have colonial minds I think Africa will be saved by the generation of the 80's and 90's and 2000's but not current leaders .....

[@faithaction9272]

Amen to that

[@JohnSmith-hs1hn]

Africa was poor way before colonialists came.

[@RahimoDZ]

I totally agree with you in this

[@emmanalyannlynnjeffers1971]

@@JohnSmith-hs1hn not true at all.

[@ashleynakamura9540]

@@JohnSmith-hs1hn there is a difference between under-developed and poor. All Africans were able to feed themselves until colonialism created war and famine. This documentary is a good example of how a sustainable village able to feed itself were destroyed by outside influence. Now they are truly poor and unable to feed themselves.

[@EasyTradeAfrica]

Very interesting documentary , Ghana is coming from far 🇬🇭 🤝

[@khaledbouzit2682]

Thanks for this amazing documentary ! It enlightens me so much about this very serious issue (extraction of ressources by foreign investors FOR FOREIGN investors). And all the issues that are related (lack of access to water, waste issue etc...) are put forward in this documentary, and this is very important to talk about it too. Thanks !

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment, Khaled. :)

[@seth9301]

As a Ghanaian, I'm bedridden with sadness by seeing this. "Oil has become a curse" That got me real bad. Nothing has changed from the colonial days. Thanks, DW for this documentary. I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@finnskrydstrup1850]

Please forget the "old days" it's time to earn up to your own faults, meaning, don't choose the wrong person to run your country, this is still a problem in Africa, and when the president runs with the money, it's the white's fault, NO it's not

[@righteousmuslim5506]

"This rubbish piles up again and again". I see that statement from the last man literal and metaphorical.. Aftica must wake up, we need to take ownership of our own doings. Lets demand accountability😢

[@geniusNikoLa]

These DW Docu Journalists are the best.. Real Journalists that are not common on this day and age..

[@texmexspm]

My heart goes out to those deeper in the struggle

[@needmoreramsay]

20 minutes in and I just know that the majority of these people are going to get screwed...

[@eplebnista7641]

I was ten minutes in, so I jumped to the end to confirm my thinking.

[@123works]

You're Nutz hahahahahahaha True!!!!

[@danielwells774]

They had to deceive them in order to convince the tribal leaders to agree with the terms of the developments they planned.

[@chownful]

Yeah - they are counting their chickens before they have even hatched. It's not the company's fault that their government leaders go out and promise riches to everyone when they already know it isn't the case.

[@ghirardellichocolate201]

I am pretty sure! Just dance!

[@realjo733]

This was well made. Respect to DW.

[@monado550]

I want to go back home in Mali. But my country was torn apart by greed and foreign interests. Beautiful production, excellent narration, you managed to transport me back into West Africa. Keep spreading information to the people there until they get back whats theirs

[@kgoroanengoasheng8946]

Excellent work DW Crew

[@qaraamichannel1673]

As African this breaks my heart. I feel sorry for the the villagers and local community who put their trust on corrupted politicians. I hope for the teacher and all the villagers a better life.

[@qaraamichannel1673]

@Bilal Al Amin Yes I am.

[@thetower5184]

painful politician are for themselves not the people

[@DayaCIDfan]

This doco is absolutely gold! Imagine the effort needed to keep a tab on the story for 10 years wow! Hats off! And what dirty play the oil world its so sad.

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @Aakash Pathak, Thanks for watching and for your positive feedback on the documentary! 🙂 We always appreciate hearing from viewers. The DW Documentary Team

[@rahmankhan058]

Amazing documentary by DW👏10 years of follow up by the DW team which is extremely praiseworthy. It's very sad to see Ghana in this state, the people of Ghana are wonderful, I hope their situation improves in the future.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for taking the time to comment and for the positive feedback! We appreciate it :)

[@abdulqadirsalim8594]

GAANI WAA AFRIKA FIIRI EEG MUGOOL AFRI KKA HEESTA AFRIKA HURUDEEY JEEFKI WAAY KA JECEL ADOONDIGA WAAY K A BAXERN A.M.SALIM SHINGAANI EX ARJI QORE XAMAR WEYNE ISLA MARKAANA LEH KA SOO JEEDKA SAFARADA USA SHINGAANI MUQDISHO SHINGAANI MUQDISHP

[@sonydee33]

DW you guys never miss!!

[@PabloThiam]

It is so unfair to these villagers that their livelihoods hasve been snatched from their hands. And the environment is also being destroyed in the process.This is very wrong.

[@secondopinion89]

I discovered DW channel recently and I've been obsessed ever since. This documentary broke my heart and I convinced my family to watch it here. The DW team showed more commitment in telling Ghana's story as opposed to the false promises of their govt. I'm from india and I always felt there were crazy incredible real life things happening in my country everyday...stories yet to be seen and told.. stories that are still in the dark.. that is yet to be captured with professional documentaries like these. DW team, I'd love join you guys to create more stories from India. I believe it will move people and create change. Please let me know how. Much love from India.

[@worldchangingvideos6253]

👏

[@cheyoda]

I am obssessed too

[@monado550]

Comment and like this so this guy can get a job at DW !

[@wouldyoumind1430]

Unbelievable. We should all get together and HELP and DW you need an award for this documentary. How can we get it nominated? #HelpGhana #Ghana #Politics

[@paulkazibacharles]

Uganda, my country, is on its way to produce oil too. This story has given me a clue already about what awaits us. Big promises such as these have been given to the people. But now I know that promising and fulfilling promises are two different things!

[@mohammadrohan2928]

The most amazing thing seems to me is, yet having hardships of life, poverty, and deceived, they don't forget to smile!! This is Africa!! The Continent Of Fighters #Respect ❤❤

[@himsayhimdo]

DW Documentary delivering another gem. Do people notice how many years this took to make? Keep up the good work, DW.

[@yanliew4027]

looks like this docu 's worthwhile, why DW follow it subsequently.

[@amc8437]

These guys make awesome documentaries. This is my third one today.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! We're glad you enjoyed the documentary. :)

[@waterdispensersdiy2511]

Great documentary. lot of details in the documentary. 👍👍👍👍