High Court convict’s Wontumi’s aide in Galamsey Bribery Case

Thomas Andy Owusu, an aide to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has been convicted. His conviction is linked to a corruption case involving illegal mining licensing.

Owusu was previously seeking a plea deal with the Office of the Special Prosecutor. He faced 15 counts of corruption-related offenses alongside former presidential staffer Charles Bissue.

Both men are accused of abusing their public office for personal gain. They allegedly fast-tracked mining permit renewals unlawfully, violating the Criminal Offences Act.

Owusu entered a plea bargain with the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The High Court accepted this agreement and convicted him based on his plea.

The case stems from a 2019 investigation by Tiger Eye PI. This investigation revealed that Owusu and Bissue facilitated illegal mining licenses for bribes.

As part of his agreement, Owusu must pay:

- A fine of 500 penalty units (GHS 6,000)
- Restitution of GHS 200,000 to the state
- A bribe amounting to GHS 15,000

After his conviction, two additional charges against him were dropped. The focus now shifts solely to Charles Bissue's trial.

Bissue is accused of using public office for profit under section 179C(b) of the Criminal Offences Act. His trial will continue on June 10, 2025, with a Case Management Conference scheduled.