The Criminal Division of the High Court has approved the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) request for its first prosecution witness to testify in camera, citing serious security concerns and potential risks if the witness’s identity is disclosed.
Former Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Bissue, and two others are facing trial for alleged corruption and abuse of office.
Prosecutors allege the accused bypassed established IMCIM procedures to secure benefits for a company reportedly deemed unqualified, following a media investigation and a petition to the OSP.
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.
During proceedings, the defence strongly opposed the OSP’s request to allow an investigative journalist involved in the initial exposé to testify, arguing it could be prejudicial. However, the court allowed the first witness protection measure to proceed.
The trial has been adjourned to 12 January 2026 for continuation.
Republic v. Charles Bissue & Others
— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) December 9, 2025
The Criminal Division of the High Court has granted an application by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for its first prosecution witness to testify in camera, citing a significant risk to the witness should his identity be publicly… pic.twitter.com/Il4OZF1l2u
