Former presidential staffer Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue has urged the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to continue with his trial, insisting that he does not support any move to discontinue the case.
In an open letter addressed to the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Bissue said he has waited for seven years for the opportunity to defend himself in court and wants the legal process to determine the truth.
Mr. Bissue, who previously served as Secretary to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, said he voluntarily stepped aside from his position and from the government of former President Nana Akufo-Addo when allegations against him first emerged.
According to him, his decision was aimed at ensuring that investigations could proceed without any perception of interference.
“For years, this matter remained with the Office of the Special Prosecutor before it was finally brought before the High Court. During that time, I repeatedly reported to your Office whenever required,” he stated.
Mr. Bissue said the prolonged legal process has affected his reputation, career and businesses, while also placing significant emotional and financial pressure on his family.
He recounted the impact the case had on his late mother, saying she suffered two heart attacks before her death, which he described as one of the most painful experiences of his life.
“These are not just legal proceedings. They have real human consequences,” he said.
The former presidential staffer maintained that he has cooperated fully with the authorities throughout the process, adding that he has honoured every invitation and complied with all lawful requirements.
His comments follow a decision by the High Court to strike out 24 paragraphs of the Special Prosecutor’s witness statement, after which the OSP applied for a suspension of the trial. Mr. Bissue said the court rejected the application.
“I AM READY FOR TRIAL,” he declared.
Mr. Bissue said the case against him involves an allegation of GH¢20,000 but stressed that his concern is not the amount involved but rather fairness, transparency and equal application of the law.
“My concern has never been the amount. My concern has always been fairness, transparency, consistency and equal justice under the law,” he said.
In the letter, Mr. Bissue also raised concerns about evidence presented in court, particularly a video that was widely circulated when the allegations first emerged.
He claimed that while the video was publicly broadcast, only selected excerpts were presented before the High Court and that he did not appear in the portions of the video relied upon by the prosecution.
“These are matters that deserve to be tested in open court. The courtroom, not the court of public opinion, is where evidence must be tested,” he said.
Mr. Bissue also referenced public discussions surrounding the Special Prosecutor’s previous legal work before his appointment and called for transparency in the handling of the case.
He, however, stressed that his intention was not to prejudge anyone but to ensure that the case is concluded through a fair judicial process.
“If the prosecution has evidence, let it present it. If the defence has evidence, let it challenge the prosecution’s case,” he stated.
Mr. Bissue concluded by calling for the trial to proceed, saying the court should be allowed to determine whether he is guilty or innocent.
“let the court hear the evidence. let the court determine the truth. let the trial continue,” he said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
