The Criminal Division of the High Court has approved an application by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to protect the identity of its first witness in the high-profile corruption trial of former Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) Secretary, Charles Bissue, and two others.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay ruled that the witness, identified in court documents as Benjamin Agyepong, could testify in camera (privately) due to a significant risk to their life, citing the violence often linked to Ghana’s multi-billion-dollar illegal mining (galamsey) sector.
The Accused and Charges
The trial involves three former IMCIM officials charged with corruption and abuse of public office:
- Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue – faces six counts, including influencing his office for private gain.
- Raphael Mensah – former Systems Manager for GalamStop software, charged with abetment of corruption.
- Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe – former Project Coordinator for IMCIM, also charged with abetment of corruption.
All three have pleaded not guilty. The case stems from the investigative documentary “Galamsey Fraud Part I” by Tiger Eye P.I., which alleged that the accused bypassed IMCIM procedures to benefit an unqualified company.
Defense Opposition
Defense lawyers opposed the confidential testimony, arguing for transparency and questioning the witness’s credentials. They also opposed the prosecution’s request to call an investigative journalist from the exposé.
The court cited Article 19(5) of the Constitution and Section 102 of the Courts Act, which allow public exclusion to protect lives, permitting the trial to continue under secured conditions. Proceedings have been adjourned to 12 January 2026.
Implications for Anti-Corruption Efforts
The case represents a critical test for the OSP’s ability to prosecute high-level corruption linked to illegal mining, which has caused environmental degradation and significant revenue losses.
Success in such prosecutions could free resources for pressing national needs, such as funding employment for unposted graduate nurses and midwives, whose association has threatened protests over years of joblessness.
The witness protection highlights the risks faced by individuals fighting corruption, drawing parallels to the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.
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