An Accra High Court presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Comfort kwasiwor Tasiame , on Tuesday, April 6, 2025, granted bail to Charles Bissue, former Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), and his co-accused, Andy Owusu, in the sum of GH¢200,000 each.
As part of the bail conditions, both men are to provide two sureties, one of whom must be justified. They are also required to deposit their passports with the court registry and report monthly to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) pending the outcome of the case.
The decision came after the court took pleas from both accused individuals, who have been charged with a total of fifteen counts related to corruption and abuse of office by the OSP.
The charges stem from their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, with prosecutors accusing the pair of exploiting their positions for personal benefit. The first charge against Mr. Bissue specifically alleges the use of public office for private gain, in contravention of Section 179C (a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). The remaining fourteen charges outline further alleged instances of corruption and misconduct in public office.
Both Bissue and Owusu pleaded not guilty to all charges during Tuesday’s proceedings, setting the stage for the prosecution to prove its case in court.
In granting bail, the presiding judge emphasized the importance of the justified surety requirement, which ensures that at least one guarantor for each accused can demonstrate adequate financial or property standing to secure the bail amount in the event of non-compliance.
The case has been adjourned to May 29, 2025, for a Case Management Conference.
