The High Court in Accra has convicted Andrew Thomas Owusu, an aide to Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, on charges of using public office for profit after pleading guilty to three counts.
The decision to admit the offenses was made after he triggered a Plea Bargaining Agreement with the State (OSP), which was accepted.
As part of the agreement entered with the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Andy Owusu is to pay an amount of GH¢200,000 as compensation.
Additionally, he will pay a fine of 500 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢6,000, pursuant to Section 179D of the Criminal Offense Act 1960 (Act 29).
Per the agreement, Andy Owusu is to make the payment a week after the adoption of the Plea Bargaining Agreement by the Court.
On April 28, 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) dragged a former Presidential staffer, Charles Bissue, to court for allegedly engaging in corruption.
Mr. Bissue, who was also the Secretary to the disbanded Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCM), has been charged with various counts of corruption by a public officer and using public office for profit.
The OSP accused Mr. Bissue of allegedly using his office to collect GH¢35,000 from Benjamin Adjapong “for the purpose of circumventing established requirements of the IMCM in respect of verification of documents” for renewal of a mining license.
Mr. Bissue was charged together with Andy Thomas Owusu, who was accused of facilitating the payment.
However, Andy Owusu has entered into a Plea Bargaining Agreement with the State.
Plea Bargaining Agreement
Counsel for the OSP, Seth Ansong, stated that on May 29, 2025, the Prosecution filed a Plea Agreement entered into between the Republic and A2 (Andy Owusu).
The agreement was pursuant to section 71 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act 2017 (Act 959).
“By this agreement, A2 (Andy Owusu) has agreed to plead guilty to the offense of using Public Office for profit contrary to section 179C (b) of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29),” he submitted.
The Prosecution agreed to withdraw charges of corruption and accepting bribes.
GH¢200k Compensation
Pursuant to section 71 of Act 959, A2 (Andy Owusu) agreed to pay restitution of GH¢200,000 and a fine of 500 Penalty Units, equivalent to GH¢6,000.
The Court convicted Andrew Thomas Owusu on counts 4, 5, and 6 and struck out counts 10-15 as withdrawn.
Justice Comfort Kwasiwor Tasiame ordered that items deposited by the second accused person be released to him forthwith.
With Andy Owusu off the charges, Mr. Charles Bissue is the only one left, and his lawyers informed the Court that they have been served with disclosures from the Prosecution.
The case has been adjourned to June 10 for a Case Management Conference.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Murtala Inusah
