2nd accused in OSP, Bissue case settles for plea bargain

Businessman Andy Thomas Owusu has initiated plea negotiations in the corruption case filed against him and the former secretary to the now-defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Bissue, by the OSP.

As such, the High Court in Accra has temporarily halted proceedings granting a one-week adjournment to enable the latter to finalize a plea bargain with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Presiding Judge, Justice Kwame Asante, granted the adjournment on Thursday following a request by state prosecutors who disclosed that plea discussions with Owusu’s lawyers were at an advanced stage.

Owusu, who is the second accused, is seeking a negotiated settlement in the corruption case, which stems from a 15-count charge brought against him and Bissue on April 28 by the OSP.

Allegations and Background

The charges allege that between January and February 2019, while serving as Secretary to the now-defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Bissue received GH₵35,000 in bribes — both personally and via Owusu — from one Benjamin Adjapong. The payments were reportedly made to facilitate the expedited renewal of a mining licence for ORR Resources Enterprise, a company lacking proper documentation.

Bissue is accused of subsequently issuing fake permits and clearance stickers, falsely declaring the company’s compliance with mining regulations.

The case is rooted in revelations from the 2019 investigative documentary "Galamsey Fraud Part 1" by Tiger Eye P.I., which exposed widespread corruption in the IMCIM's operations. Although Bissue was previously cleared during an earlier administration, the Special Prosecutor revived the matter and proceeded with fresh charges.

Judicial Setbacks and Renewed Prosecution

The IMCIM, set up in 2017 to tackle illegal mining (galamsey), was dissolved in 2021 following a string of corruption allegations. Bissue became a central figure in those scandals, facing further accusations of misappropriating seized mining equipment and precious metals.

In an attempt to forestall prosecution, Bissue launched multiple legal actions to stop the OSP from arresting or charging him. However, in November 2024, the Human Rights Court dismissed his final application. The court found no merit in his claims that the OSP acted unlawfully or maliciously, noting that there was no evidence an arrest warrant had been issued against him. The case was described by the judge as unfounded and a “figment of imagination,” with a cost of GH₵10,000 awarded against him.

This ruling effectively removed all legal obstacles to the OSP's continued prosecution.

With Owusu’s plea deal pending, the court is expected to reconvene next week for further proceedings. The outcome of the negotiations may significantly shape the direction of the case, especially with regard to Bissue’s role and possible liability.