I don't want nolle prosequi in corruption case filed against me by OSP — Charles Bissue

Former Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue, says he wants the corruption case filed against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to proceed to its logical conclusion in court.

According to the charge sheet filed at the Accra High Court on April 28, 2025, and sighted by ModernGhana News, Mr Bissue is accused of using public office for profit and corruption by a public officer under Sections 179C and 239 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended.

The 15 charges, nine against Mr Bissue and six against Andy Thomas Owusu, relate to allegations that the former IMCIM Secretary received cash payments to facilitate the renewal of mining licences without the required documentation.

The OSP alleges that Mr Bissue received GH¢15,000 and GH¢10,000 through Mr Owusu in January 2019 to unlawfully facilitate the renewal of an expired mining licence for ORR Resources Enterprise.

In a social media post on Tuesday, June 23, the former NPP parliamentary candidate said he does not support any attempt to discontinue the case through a nolle prosequi.

He argued that the truth surrounding the allegations can only be established through a full trial before the court.

"After everything I have lost over the past seven years, I do not want this matter to end through a nolle prosequi or any other process that denies the Court the opportunity to determine the truth. I DO NOT SUPPORT A NOLLE PROSEQUI," he stated.

Mr Bissue said he voluntarily stepped aside from his position in government when the allegations first emerged to allow investigations to proceed without interference.

According to him, he consistently honoured invitations by the OSP and complied with all legal requirements throughout the seven-year investigation.

He also highlighted the emotional and financial difficulties his family has endured during the period, including the loss of his mother after suffering two heart attacks.

The former presidential staffer further questioned the prosecution's handling of evidence, arguing that portions of a widely circulated video linked to the allegations were not tendered before the court.

"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 stressed.

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