The High Court in Accra has officially scheduled July 2, 2025, for the commencement of the much-anticipated trial of Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue, a former presidential staffer and Secretary to the now-defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCM).
This case marks a critical chapter in Ghana’s ongoing fight against corruption in public service.
At a Case Management Conference held recently, prosecutors from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) announced that they had completed all mandatory disclosures as of May 28, 2025.
The submitted materials include two key witness statements—one supported by five exhibits and the other by 12 exhibits—along with a cache of 63 additional documents, all of which have been shared with the defence.
Lawyers for Bissue confirmed receipt of the original copies and raised no objections.
The court has subsequently set a detailed schedule for witness appearances, designating July 2, 3, 8, 9, 15, 22, and 23 as the official dates for presenting prosecution witnesses.
The trial is expected to attract widespread public and media attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the broader implications for Ghana’s anti-corruption drive.
The Allegations
Bissue was charged in April 2025 by the OSP with multiple counts of corruption and abuse of office.
The charges stem from a controversial undercover investigation by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas in 2019, which appeared to show Bissue accepting bribes to facilitate illegal mining operations in contravention of government regulations.
Specifically, Bissue is accused of receiving GH¢35,000 from one Benjamin Adjapong in exchange for circumventing standard procedures under the IMCM, allegedly aiding the renewal of a mining licence without proper verification.
Also charged in the case is Andy Thomas Owusu, alleged to have acted as an intermediary in facilitating the payment to Bissue.
Andy Owusu faces similar charges of corruption and bribery intended to influence a public officer. However, Andy Owusu enter into deal with the OSP, pleading plea bargain.
The formal charge sheet, filed on April 28, 2025, and signed by OSP’s Director of Prosecutions, Dr. Isidore Tufuor, outlines detailed counts of corruption by a public officer and illegal enrichment under Ghana’s anti-corruption statutes.
The case against Charles Bissue is seen by anti-graft campaigners as a potential landmark in Ghana’s legal efforts to tackle high-level corruption.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor, established to independently pursue corruption-related offences, has come under intense public scrutiny regarding its effectiveness.
This trial may provide an early test of its resolve and capacity.
The IMCM, which Bissue served as secretary, was formed to coordinate government policy on illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
However, the committee itself became embroiled in allegations of corruption and mismanagement, ultimately leading to its disbandment in 2020.
