By Daniel Bampoe
The High Court in Accra has dismissed an application by embattled former presidential staffer, Charles Bissue, seeking the temporary release of his passport to enable him to travel abroad for academic and personal reasons.
The decision marks another legal setback for Charles Bissue, who is currently on trial for alleged acts of corruption during his time as Secretary to the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCM).
In its ruling on Monday, the Court found Bissue’s justification for the passport release unconvincing.
It noted that the flight ticket submitted as part of the application was dated after the motion was filed, undermining claims of prior arrangements.
Additionally, the academic admission letter submitted by Bissue’s lawyers was deemed provisional and not sufficient proof of firm international commitments.
Prosecutors from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) argued that the travel request lacked genuine intention and could jeopardize the trial process.
The court accordingly rejected the request, reinforcing existing bail conditions that restrict Charles Bissue’s international movements. The matter has been adjourned to May 29, 2025.
Allegations of Corruption
Charles Bissue, a key figure in the former administration and former Secretary to the IMCM, was charged by the OSP on April 28, 2025, for multiple counts of corruption, including corruption of a public officer and using public office for profit.
According to the charge sheet signed by Dr. Isidore Tufuor, Director of Prosecutions at the OSP, Bissue is accused of receiving GH¢35,000 from one Benjamin Adjapong to circumvent official verification processes in the renewal of a mining license.
The prosecution alleges that Bissue abused his position by influencing the renewal process in favour of Adjapong, an action seen as undermining the government’s efforts to regulate illegal mining activities.
Another accused, Andy Thomas Owusu, is also facing trial for allegedly facilitating the said bribe payment.
The IMCM, which was disbanded following widespread concerns over its effectiveness and credibility, was central to government efforts to streamline and legalize small-scale mining operations.
Charles Bissue’s alleged misconduct was first spotlighted in a 2019 exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, though he denied any wrongdoing and was later cleared by the Criminal Investigation Department.
The current charges stem from an independent probe initiated by the OSP under a renewed anti-corruption mandate.
What Lies Ahead
As the trial continues, the Court’s refusal to release Bissue’s passport is likely to keep him firmly within the jurisdiction, allowing proceedings to advance without interruption.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office has signaled its commitment to seeing the matter through, as part of broader efforts to hold public officials accountable for abuse of office.
The next hearing on May 29 is expected to focus on the substantive issues surrounding the alleged bribery scheme, with the prosecution preparing to present further evidence.
Bissue and his legal team, meanwhile, have maintained his innocence and are expected to challenge the charges vigorously.
