Career, Mother's Death: Charles Bissue opens up on the toll of 7-year OSP trial

Former Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, Charles Bissue, has opened up about his woes during a seven-year prosecution by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), citing damage to his career and the death of his mother.

In an open letter addressed to Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, on his Facebook on June 22, 2026, Bissue said the long-running case has had severe emotional and professional consequences on his life since allegations were first made against him.

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He stated that he voluntarily stepped aside from government office when the matter first came up to allow investigations to proceed without interference, but said the process has dragged on for years while his life had been disrupted by the process.

“My life, my career and my reputation remained on hold while I waited for my day in court,” he wrote.

Bissue said the prolonged legal battle has affected his reputation, interrupted his career and placed financial pressure on his family.

“For seven years, I have lived with the consequences of this prosecution. My reputation has been damaged. My career has been interrupted. My businesses have suffered. I have incurred enormous legal costs, and my family has borne an unimaginable burden,” he wrote.

He further revealed that the emotional toll of the case extended to his family, particularly his late mother, who suffered serious health challenges during the period.

“During this ordeal, my late mother suffered two heart attacks before I eventually lost her. Watching her endure the anxiety and emotional pain associated with this prolonged process remains one of the greatest tragedies of my life,” he stated.

According to him, the burden of the case went beyond legal proceedings, stressing that it had real-life consequences on those close to him.

Bissue maintained that he has cooperated fully with the OSP throughout the process and is demanding that the case be concluded through a full trial in court.

He added that the courtroom, and not public opinion, should determine the outcome of the case.

About the trial:

Bissue and two others, Raphael Mensah, former Systems Manager of the GalamStop software and Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe, former Project Coordinator of the IMCIM, are facing charges relating to corruption and corruption-related offences, contrary to the provisions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended.

Bissue faces six counts of corruption and abuse of public office, in breach of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended by Act 1034.

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He has also been charged with three counts of corruption by a public officer under section 239(1) and (3) of Act 29, as amended, for allegedly agreeing, directly or indirectly, to allow his conduct in public office to be influenced, contrary to the ethical standards and obligations of his position.

MAG/VPO

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