Sammy Darko questions Charles Bissue’s call for speedy trial amid legal challenges

The Director of the Strategy, Research, and Communication Division at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Sammy Darko, has questioned former government official Charles Bissue’s demand for a speedy trial, citing several legal actions he has initiated in connection with the corruption case against him.

In a Facebook post, Mr Darko argued that Mr Bissue’s legal history raises questions about his claim that the OSP has delayed his day in court.

According to him, records published by the OSP indicate that Mr Bissue has initiated multiple legal proceedings since 2023 in relation to the case, with some travelling to the Supreme Court before returning to the trial court.

Mr Darko maintained that these legal actions formed part of the events preceding the prosecution and should be considered in assessing claims that the case had been unduly delayed.

He also disputed suggestions that Mr Bissue had been standing trial since 2017, arguing that investigations, civil litigation and criminal trials are distinct processes that should not be treated as one continuous timeline.

“The OSP was established in 2018,” he noted, stressing the need to distinguish between the various stages of the legal process.

The case against Mr Bissue centres on allegations that he abused his public office by demanding and receiving money to facilitate the unlawful issuance of a concession sticker, allegedly enabling a business entity to begin mining without a licence.

Mr Darko said the case was not about whether Mr Bissue considered the alleged amount insignificant but about the integrity of public office and the proper administration of mining-related processes.

Mr Darko explained that Thomas Andy Owusu, who was charged alongside Mr Bissue in an earlier case, pleaded guilty and was convicted in June 2025 under a plea agreement.

Following the conviction, the OSP withdrew the earlier charges against Mr Bissue and filed fresh criminal proceedings on July 1, 2025, under case number CR/0559/2025, titled The Republic v Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue & 2 Ors.

Two additional accused persons, Raphael Mensah and Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe, were included in the fresh proceedings.

According to Mr Darko, Mr Bissue faces nine counts relating to corruption and abuse of public office. All three accused persons have pleaded not guilty.

The OSP strategy director said the legal dispute has since shifted to whether the earlier case was properly discontinued by the court and whether the current proceedings can continue.

He also referred to arguments by Mr Bissue’s lawyers concerning an earlier police investigation which they say cleared him.

Mr Darko said those arguments must be assessed against the relevant court records and rulings.

He acknowledged that Mr Bissue has the right to challenge the prosecution, adding that the courts must determine the objections fairly.

However, he questioned how the demand for a speedy trial could be reconciled with legal challenges that may prevent the substantive proceedings from moving forward.

Mr Darko insisted that the OSP’s responsibility was to pursue justice rather than engage in a public-relations contest.

“If the evidence fails, Bissue must be acquitted. If the prosecution proves its case, the law must take its course,” he said.

He added that a speedy trial should ultimately lead to a judicial determination rather than remain a slogan directed at the prosecution while the proceedings themselves are being challenged.