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Abstract

Discovery Channel’s Jungle Gold follows two American real estate moguls who lost their fortunes in the 2008 economic collapse to the Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa, where they unabashedly engage in illegal gold mining (galamsey). This article examines the dialectic between the forces of hegemonic globalization and resistance by critically examining the content of the television series, the ensuing discourse, and policy actions in Ghana. Borrowing the concept of interlocalization, this article argues that Jungle Gold, although a hegemonic global form, amplifies a serious development challenge, sparking a debate, leading to mobilization, policy actions, and potential for social change and development. We also examine the role of local television co-producers, social media, and activists in the interlocalization process.

Keywords

galamsey Ghana globalization glocalization interlocalization media and development media and policy reality television resistance

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Discovery channel’s Jungle Gold in Ghana: hegemonic globalization sparks resistance and policy action

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