The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has requested an in-camera hearing for their first witness, Benjamin Agyepong, an undercover investigator, in the case in which Charles Bissue and two others are facing charges, citing safety concerns.
Mr. Bissue, who was the Secretary of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Raphael Mensah, and Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe, are facing a total of eight counts.
In court on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Akua Adiyiah, the lead prosecutor in the case, said they want the court to be cleared because their first witness is an undercover investigator, and to protect his safety.
According to the prosecutor, the witness’s safety would be compromised if his testimony is made public, hence the need for the court to clear the courtroom during his testimony.
“I want to make a humble prayer concerning our first witness, Benjamin Agyepong, who is an undercover investigator. Our humble prayer is that the court clears the courtroom during his testimony for the safety of the witness,” Akua Adiyiah prayed.
However, lawyers for the accused persons opposed the request.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, has asked the OSP to file their request formally.
The court has adjourned the case to October 29, 2025, to consider the prosecution’s application.
According to EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, an in-camera hearing is a private session in court where only the judge, parties involved, and essential personnel are present, excluding the public and media.
This type of hearing is usually held to protect sensitive information or the identity of witnesses.
Mr. Bissue is facing three counts each of using public office for profit, contrary to Section 179C(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and corruption by a public officer. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Meanwhile, Raphael Mensah and Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe are each facing a count of abetment of a criminal offense.
They have also pleaded not guilty, and the commencement of the trial, expected on Tuesday, October 14, has been pushed back following the OSP’s request.
A mini case management conference was held after the 3rd prosecution witness was filed and confirmed by lawyers for all the accused persons.
The case has been adjourned to October 29.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
