Illegal Mining: Chairman Wontumi’s aide, convicted on his own plea

An Accra High Court on Wednesday convicted Thomas Andy Owusu, aide to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (aka as Chairman Wontumi), in a corruption case tied to illegal mining licensing.

Owusu, the second accused in the case of The Republic v. Charles Bissue & Another, was convicted on his own plea after the court accepted a plea agreement entered under section 71 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).

According to the agreement, Owusu will pay a fine of 500 penalty units (equivalent to GHS 6,000), and restitution of GH₵ 200,000 to the State.

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The court presided over by Justice Comfort Kwasiwor Tasiame said the second accused person makes the payments within one week after the adoption of the agreement.

Charges of corruption of a public officer, contrary to section 239 (2) and (3) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) as amended by section `of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act, 2020 (ACT 1034) in count 10, 11, and 12 were withdrawn.

The State again withdrew the charges of accepting bribes to influence a public officer contrary to section 252 of the Criminal Other Offences Act, 1960 (ACT 29) amended by section 6 of the Criminal Other (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 1034) in counts 13, 14, 15.

The court said items deposited at the Registry of the court were to be released to him forthwith.

The charge was based on corruption of a public officer and accepting bribe to influence a public officer.

This case stems from the 2019 “Galamsey Fraud Part One” investigation by Tiger Eye PI, which implicated Owusu and then-presidential staffer Charles Bissue in facilitating illegal mining licences for bribes, bypassing official processes.

It was alleged that he received GH₵15,000 from one Bemanin Adjapong through Owusu on or around January 22, 2019, in Accra.

Following his conviction, the court struck out two additional charges: corruption of a public officer and accepting bribes to influence a public officer.

With the conviction of Owusu, the focus is solely on Bissue, accused of using public office for profit, contrary to section 179C(b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

The State has filed its disclosures and has served on the defence. The case has been adjourned until June 10, 2025.

GNA