Charles Bissue, the former Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), encountered a significant legal setback on Monday, January 15, as his judicial review application aimed at quashing an arrest warrant issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was unsuccessful.
Bissue’s legal team had initiated this legal challenge in an attempt to prevent the court from ordering his cross-examination. The High Court in Accra (Human Rights Division), presided over by Justice Nicholas Mensah Abodakpi, had previously issued directives on December 6, instructing lawyers representing Bissue, the OSP, and the Attorney General to submit their written submissions.
However, Bissue’s legal representative failed to meet the deadline, citing a ligament injury as the reason for the delay and requesting an extension of time to provide the necessary documents. In response to this development, the Office of the Special Prosecutor took to Facebook to announce that the court had set a new deadline of February 1, 2024, by which Bissue’s lawyer must file the required written submissions and be prepared for cross-examination.
The investigation conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor centers on Bissue and his alleged involvement in suspected corruption and corruption-related offences pertaining to illegal mining activities. The case has garnered significant attention due to its implications for the fight against illegal mining in Ghana.
The OSP’s determination to uphold the arrest warrant and proceed with the cross-examination underscores the seriousness of the charges against Bissue. The legal battle continues, with the former IMCIM Secretary facing mounting pressure as the case unfolds.
Bissue’s situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts in Ghana to combat illegal mining, which has posed significant environmental and economic challenges to the country. The outcome of this legal process will have implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader efforts to address illegal mining practices.
As the February 1 deadline approaches, all eyes are on Charles Bissue and his legal team as they work to provide the necessary documentation and respond to the charges brought against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The legal proceedings are expected to shed further light on the alleged corruption within the realm of illegal mining, and the public awaits the outcome with keen interest.
