I lost my mother through OSP's protracted corruption investigation against me — Charles Bissue

Former Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue, says the prolonged corruption investigation and prosecution against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) have caused him immense personal and emotional pain, including the loss of his mother.

Mr Bissue is facing nine counts of using public office for profit and corruption by a public officer after the OSP accused him of receiving money to facilitate the renewal of mining licences without proper documentation.

According to the charge sheet filed at the Accra High Court on April 28, 2025, the OSP alleges that Mr Bissue received GH¢15,000 and GH¢10,000 through Andy Thomas Owusu in January 2019 to fast-track the renewal of an expired mining licence for ORR Resources Enterprise.

In an open letter addressed to Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng and shared on social media on Tuesday, June 23, Mr Bissue recounted the personal and financial difficulties he said he has endured during the seven-year investigation.

He said his businesses suffered, his career was interrupted and his family endured enormous emotional stress as the case remained unresolved.

"During this ordeal, my late mother suffered two heart attacks before I eventually lost her. Watching her endure the anxiety and emotional pain associated with this prolonged process remains one of the greatest tragedies of my life," he stated.

Mr Bissue noted that he voluntarily stepped aside from his role as Secretary to the IMCIM and from government when the allegations first surfaced to allow investigations to proceed without interference.

According to him, he consistently honoured invitations from the OSP and complied with all legal requirements throughout the investigation.

The former NPP Western Regional Secretary also rejected suggestions that the case should be discontinued through a nolle prosequi.

He insisted that the matter should be determined by the court after a full trial.

"I WANT THE TRIAL TO CONTINUE. If the prosecution has evidence, let it present it. If the defence has evidence, let it challenge the prosecution's case. If I unlawfully accepted even one cedi, let the Court convict me. If I did not, let the Court acquit me," he said.

Mr Bissue further questioned the handling of evidence in the case, arguing that portions of a video that initially brought public attention to the allegations were not tendered before the court.

He stressed that the issues raised in the case should be tested in open court rather than in the court of public opinion.

The OSP, however, maintains that Mr Bissue abused his office for private gain by receiving money to facilitate the renewal of mining licences and has charged him alongside Andy Thomas Owusu, who is accused of aiding the alleged offences.