Wontumi’s aide convicted in galamsey fraud case, fined GH₵200k

Thomas Andy Owusu, an aide to Ashanti Regional NPP chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has been convicted of corruption. This ruling came from the High Court this morning.

Owusu was the second accused in the Republic v Charles Bissue case. He entered a plea bargain with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He faced charges of bribery linked to a 2019 exposé by Tiger Eye PI.

The exposé revealed that Owusu and Charles Bissue were involved in illegal mining permits. Prosecutors stated that Owusu paid GH₵15,000 to Bissue for these permits.

The High Court accepted his plea deal. Mr. Owusu was sentenced to pay five hundred penalty units, totaling GH₵6,000. He must also pay GH₵200,000 in restitution to the state.

As part of the agreement, charges against him for corruption and bribery were dropped. With Owusu's conviction secured, attention now turns to prosecuting Charles Bissue. Bissue is accused of receiving the bribe related to this case.