By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, Nov. 5, GNA- An Accra High Court will on November 19 rule on a motion on whether the testimony of the State’s first prosecution witness should be heard in-camera or not in the case involving Charles Cromwell Nanabayin Onuawonto Bissue and others.
The witness is said to be an undercover journalist working with TigerEye Pl
The court adjourned to rule on an objection raised by Charles Cromwell Nanabayin Onuawonto Bissue, the first accused, who is seeking that the testimony of the witness be heard in open court.
Maame Akua Adiyiah, the lead prosecutor in the case for the OSP, said the witness had genuine fear for his safety.
The prosecutor argued that the court had the authority to grant protection to the witness, allowing him to testify with his face only shown to the parties involved in the case.
She said the witness’s safety was paramount and that the court should not wait until something happens before taking action.
“The OSP believes that refusing this application may deter the witness from testifying, which would not be in the interest of justice,” she added.
Lawyers for the accused persons argued that the witness’s employer, TigerEyePI, was not a registered entity, and there was no evidence to support the witness’s claim of fear.
They also argued that the prosecution’s application was inadequate and does not meet constitutional and court act criteria.
They questioned the witness’s status as an undercover investigator, noting that his employment details did not mention that.
Mr Bissue, the former Secretary to the now-dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, and two others are standing trial for allegedly receiving bribes and illicit gifts to unlawfully fast-track the issuance of a mining concession sticker for an unlicensed company.
They are accused of taking bribes and other illicit benefits to expedite the issuance of a mining concession sticker for an unlicensed company.
The accused persons face six counts of using public office for profit and three counts of corruption by a public officer.
GNA
5 Nov. 2025
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong