Charles Bissue is a former presidential staffer and 2024 NPP candidate for Essikado-Ketan
An Accra High Court has refused to release the passport of former presidential staffer, Charles Bissue , the first accused in a 15-count corruption case relating to illegal mining, despite his request to travel to the United Kingdom and the United States.
In court on May 6, 2025, Bissue’s application was dismissed on grounds that it lacked merit.
The judge observed that the travel ticket he submitted had been purchased only after he filed his request, and his school admission was described as provisional, weakening the justification for international travel, according to a report by myjoyonline.com.
“Presiding over the case, the court ruled that Bissue’s request failed to provide sufficient justification for the travel. The judgment highlighted that the submitted flight ticket was purchased after the application was filed, while the school admission letter presented was merely provisional.
“The prosecution strongly opposed the motion, arguing there was “no genuine intention” behind the travel plans and that the request appeared to be an attempt to circumvent the judicial process,” the report noted.
The court had earlier granted bail to Bissue and the second accused, Andy Owusu, in the sum of GH₵200,000 each.
The two denied the charges brought against them by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
As part of their bail conditions, both were required to deposit their passports with the court and report monthly to the OSP.
Charles Bissue, a former Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), and Andy Owusu, are facing corruption related charges brought by the OSP.
The case has been adjourned to May 29, 2025.
JKB/AE
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