Ghanaians are set to stage a three-day protest this week demanding government action on illegal gold mining and the release of 54 activists detained for demonstrating against the illicit activity.

The government’s handling of illegal mining has become a flashpoint issue in the run-up to the West African country’s presidential election in December.

Fifty-four members of the Democracy Hub pressure group were arrested on September 22 and 23 and remanded in custody for two weeks for blocking roads and burning tyres. This has prompted outrage from the public and politicians.

Fresh protests are scheduled to start on Thursday, to demand both the activists’ release and government action to stop illegal mining.