Charles Bissue, the accused person in the Obuasi SHTS scandal, has expressed a desire for a speedy trial while simultaneously challenging the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for allegedly delaying his day in court. However, his legal history reveals a complex web of cases filed by him, which may contradict his claims of eagerness for a trial. According to the OSP's published records, Bissue has filed seven cases since 2023 in respect of a case filed in 2025.
The cases filed by Bissue include Suit No. J5/8/2025, Suit No. GJ/0098/2023, Suit No. J8/08/2025, Suit No. GJ/0928/2023, Suit No. HR/0094/2023, Suit No. GJ/0358/2023, and Suit No. HR/0101/2023. These suits demonstrate that Bissue has been actively engaged in legal proceedings, which may have contributed to the delay in his trial. The OSP eventually filed fresh criminal proceedings on 1 July 2025 under CR/0559/2025, The Republic v Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue & 2 Ors.
Bissue faces nine counts relating to corruption and abuse of public office, alongside Raphael Mensah and Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe. The alleged scheme involves the issuance of a concession sticker enabling a business entity to commence mining without a licence. If proved, the alleged conduct would raise serious questions about the integrity of the public process, regardless of the amount involved. Thomas Andy Owusu, who was charged in the earlier case, pleaded guilty and was convicted in June 2025 under a plea agreement.
The dispute has now shifted to whether the earlier case was properly discontinued and whether the current proceedings can continue. Bissue's lawyers have raised arguments concerning an earlier police investigation and alleged conflict of interest involving the Special Prosecutor's past professional association with Anas Aremeyaw Anas. These arguments must be assessed against the relevant court records and rulings.
The central contradiction in Bissue's case remains: how does one repeatedly demand a speedy trial while pursuing legal challenges that may prevent the trial from proceeding? Bissue has every right to challenge the prosecution, and the court must determine those objections fairly. However, a procedural dispute is not automatically the end of a criminal case, just as a prosecution is not proof of guilt.
The OSP should not be interested in winning a public-relations contest; its duty is to pursue justice. If the evidence fails, Bissue must be acquitted. If the prosecution proves its case, the law must take its course. A speedy trial should lead to a judicial determination—not become a slogan used against the prosecution while the proceedings themselves are being challenged.
Sammy Darko, the Director of the Strategy, Research and Communication Division of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), has described Bissue as an interesting accused person. The OSP's investigation and prosecution of Bissue's case will continue, and it is up to the court to determine the validity of the allegations and the legal challenges raised by Bissue's lawyers.
Key points
- Charles Bissue faces nine counts relating to corruption and abuse of public office.
- Bissue has filed seven cases since 2023 in respect of a case filed in 2025, which may have contributed to the delay in his trial.
- The OSP's duty is to pursue justice, and a speedy trial should lead to a judicial determination.
