Bissue corruption trial adjourned as prosecution witness reportedly involved in an accident

Proceedings in the criminal trial involving former Secretary of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Bissue, have been adjourned to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) informed the court that its first witness was unable to attend due to a reported road traffic accident.

At Tuesday's hearing, the prosecution told the court that its first witness, Benjamin Adjapong, could not appear because he had been involved in an accident.

Bissue Corruption Trial: Court removes portions of prosecution witness statement

According to a statement on the proceedings, the OSP "filed a Notice of Filing of Excuse Duty, supported by a Medical Advisory Certificate dated July 11, 2026, issued by Dr Patience Dogbe Gbewaoza, House Officer at the 37 Military Hospital."

Rather than accepting the explanation outright, the court directed that the excuse be independently verified.

The statement said, "Rather than simply accepting the explanation, the Court directed its investigator to verify the excuse given by the witness, obtain the relevant police accident report, and file the findings before the Court in a sealed envelope."

The court also expressed concern over the prolonged nature of the trial, noting that the matter had been pending for years.

"The Court also noted that the case has been pending for years and that the accused persons have consistently attended every hearing, including travelling from outside Accra," the statement noted.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with the expectation that the prosecution's first witness would be available to testify.

"The witness is expected to appear on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, so that the trial can proceed," the statement added.

The statement further argued that the repeated delays have implications for the administration of justice and public resources.

"This latest adjournment raises legitimate concerns about the cost of prolonged proceedings to the taxpayer. Every postponement consumes public resources, judicial time, and the resources of the accused, who have consistently honoured every court date," it said.

It added that "the public is entitled to expect that prosecutions are conducted efficiently and without unnecessary delay."

NA/BAI