Bissue, Owusu to report monthly to OSP after GHS 200k bail

On Tuesday, April 6, 2025, the Criminal Court 4 granted bail to Charles Bissue. He is the former Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM). Andy Owusu also received bail. Each was granted bail in the amount of two hundred thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 200,000).

The bail conditions include two sureties. One surety must be justified. They must also deposit their passports with the court registry. Additionally, they are required to report monthly to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

This ruling followed pleas from both accused individuals. They face fifteen counts of corruption-related offenses from the Special Prosecutor. The charges accuse Bissue and Owusu of abusing their public office for personal gain related to illegal mining.

The first count against Mr. Bissue claims he used his public office for profit. This violates Section 179 C (a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The other fourteen counts detail further allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

During court proceedings, both Charles Bissue and Andy Owusu pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their pleas require the prosecution to prove these corruption allegations.

After hearing their pleas, the court considered the bail application. The presiding judge then granted bail under specified conditions.

The justified surety means one guarantor must show financial capability for the bail amount if needed. The case has been adjourned until May 29, 2025, for a Case Management Conference.