By Charles Bissue, the former Secretary to Ghana’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), has been charged with 15 counts of corruption by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), marking a significant escalation in a years-long investigation into his alleged misconduct. Bissue, who has been at the center of a high-profile probe since 2019, is scheduled to appear in court on May 6, 2025, to enter his plea, according to recent reports.
A Long-Running Investigation
The charges stem from Bissue’s tenure as Secretary to the IMCIM, a body established to combat illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.” The OSP’s investigation was triggered by a 2019 investigative documentary titled Galamsey Fraud, produced by Tiger Eye P.I., which alleged that Bissue and other state officials bypassed legal procedures for the procurement of mining licenses.
The documentary, led by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, accused Bissue of facilitating corrupt practices that undermined the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining.
In a statement issued shortly after the documentary’s release in 2019, Bissue denied the allegations, asserting, “I am innocent of the allegations levelled against me in the documentary, as I was not and have not been engaged in any acts of corruption, criminality or misconduct.” Despite his claims, the OSP pursued the case, culminating in a wanted notice issued on June 13, 2023, after Bissue failed to comply with an invitation to answer questions related to the investigation.
Legal Battles and New Charges
Bissue’s legal troubles intensified in 2024 when he filed a writ at the High Court in Accra to block the OSP from prosecuting him, challenging the validity of an alleged arrest warrant and wanted notice. On May 30, 2024, the OSP reported that the case had been reassigned to a new judge, with a hearing scheduled for July 2, 2024, to review a YouTube video submitted by Bissue’s legal team and potentially cross-examine his lawyer, Nana Agyei Baffour. The OSP refuted claims of an unlawful arrest warrant, demanding evidence from Bissue’s camp.
While the outcome of the July 2024 hearing remains unclear, the OSP appears to have concluded its investigation, as noted on its official website. The 15 counts of corruption now filed against Bissue reportedly include charges related to the use of public office for profit, a violation the OSP has been investigating since the Galamsey Fraud documentary first aired. Specific details of the charges have not been publicly disclosed, but sources indicate they may involve allegations of bribery, abuse of office, and facilitating illegal mining activities.
Court Appearance and Public Reaction
Bissue’s upcoming court appearance on May 6, 2025, will mark a pivotal moment in the case, which has drawn significant attention in Ghana due to its implications for the country’s fight against illegal mining. The practice of galamsey has long been a contentious issue, contributing to environmental degradation, health hazards, and economic losses. The IMCIM, during its operation, was tasked with cracking down on these activities, but allegations of corruption within the committee have cast a shadow over its efforts.
Public reaction to the charges has been mixed. Supporters of Bissue argue that he has been unfairly targeted, pointing to his consistent denials and legal challenges against the OSP. Critics, however, see the charges as a necessary step toward accountability, especially given the scale of the galamsey crisis. Anas and his Tiger Eye P.I. team, who initially brought the allegations to light, had petitioned the OSP in 2019 to investigate and prosecute those involved, a call that now appears to have been heeded.
What’s Next for Bissue?
As Bissue prepares to enter his plea on May 6, the case is likely to intensify debates about corruption in Ghana’s public sector. The OSP, established to combat graft and abuse of office, has faced its own share of criticism for its handling of high-profile cases, but the charges against Bissue signal a renewed push to hold powerful figures accountable. If convicted, Bissue could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines, potentially setting a precedent for future anti-corruption efforts in the country.
For now, all eyes are on the High Court in Accra, where Bissue’s plea will set the stage for what promises to be a closely watched legal battle. As the case unfolds, it will likely reignite discussions about the intersection of politics, corruption, and Ghana’s ongoing struggle to address the galamsey crisis.
1 Comment