The Director of the Strategy, Research and Communication Division at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Sammy Darko, has questioned former government appointee Charles Bissue’s demand for a speedy trial, citing the multiple court cases he has filed in connection with the OSP’s investigations and prosecution.

In a piece sighted by GhanaWeb, Darko argued that Bissue’s legal history raises questions about his calls for a speedy trial, as his court actions have formed part of the events leading to the current prosecution.

Charles Bissue challenges OSP charges

According to Darko, records published by the OSP show that Bissue has filed several lawsuits since 2023 in relation to legal proceedings connected to the case.

"The OSP’s published records tell part of the story. Since 2023, he has filed 7 cases in respect of a case filed in 2025," he wrote.

The suits involve the OSP, the Attorney-General, the Kaneshie District Court, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Tiger Eye P.I.

Darko argued that these legal actions should be considered when examining Bissue’s claim that he has been standing trial since 2017.

He also noted that the OSP was established in 2018, stressing the need to distinguish between investigations, civil litigation and criminal trials.

“Investigations, civil litigation and criminal trials are not the same thing. One cannot simply collapse them into a single timeline,” he stated.

The OSP filed fresh criminal proceedings against Bissue and two others on July 1, 2025, under case number CR/0559/2025, titled The Republic v Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue & 2 Ors.

Bissue faces nine counts relating to alleged corruption and abuse of public office. The other accused persons are Raphael Mensah and Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe. All three have pleaded not guilty.

The case involves allegations that public office was used to facilitate the issuance of a concession sticker that allowed a business entity to begin mining without a licence.

Darko argued that the case should be assessed based on the alleged conduct and the evidence presented rather than the amount of money involved.

“The case is not about whether Bissue considers the alleged amount small. It concerns allegations that public office was compromised to facilitate the issuance of a concession sticker enabling a business entity to commence mining without a licence,” he wrote.

He also referred to Thomas Andy Owusu, who was charged in an earlier case and pleaded guilty before being convicted in June 2025 under a plea agreement.

However, Darko stressed that Owusu’s conviction does not establish Bissue’s guilt, which remains for the court to determine.

Darko said the dispute had shifted to questions about whether the earlier case was properly discontinued and whether the current prosecution could proceed.

He also noted that Bissue’s lawyers had raised concerns about an earlier police investigation and an alleged conflict of interest involving the Special Prosecutor’s past professional association with Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

He said these arguments must be assessed based on the relevant court records and rulings.

Darko acknowledged that Bissue has the right to challenge the prosecution but questioned whether his demand for a speedy trial was consistent with legal challenges that could prevent the case from proceeding.

“How does one repeatedly demand a speedy trial while pursuing legal challenges that may prevent the trial from proceeding?” he asked.

He added that procedural disputes do not automatically terminate a criminal case, just as a prosecution does not amount to proof of guilt.

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“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,” he stated.

Darko concluded that a speedy trial should lead to a judicial decision rather than remain a subject of public debate while legal challenges continue.

MAG/MA

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