The High Court in Accra has ordered that an undercover investigator for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) testify in-camera in the corruption trial involving Charles Bissue, Raphael Mensah, and Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe.
The court granted the request following safety concerns raised by the OSP, citing risks to the witness’s life if his identity were publicly revealed.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay ruled that only the accused, their lawyers, court staff, and security officers would be present during the testimony, while accredited journalists may apply to access proceedings with sensitive details redacted.
The accused, who face eight counts related to corruption and corruption-related offences, will retain their right to cross-examine the witness.
The court emphasized that protecting the witness’s identity would not compromise the fairness of the trial. The case has been adjourned to January 12, 2026, for the trial to begin.
The OSP argued that the witness’s protection was critical, referencing the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale as evidence of real danger.
Defense lawyers opposed the application, questioning the witness’s status and the necessity of in-camera proceedings, arguing that public testimony would not threaten public interest or safety.
