The Court of Appeal has dismissed a stay application in the ongoing Bissue case Court of Appeal, clearing the way for proceedings at the High Court to continue.
The application was filed by the third accused, Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe, in the case involving Charles Bissue, Raphael Mensah, and Dr. Tagoe.
It sought to halt proceedings after the trial court ordered that the first prosecution witness testify in camera, a decision the defence challenged.
Counsel for Dr. Tagoe argued that conducting proceedings in camera would violate the constitutional right to a fair and public hearing.
The defence maintained that exceptional circumstances justified the intervention of the appellate court to prevent potential prejudice against the accused.
However, prosecutors opposed the request, insisting that the High Court had put in place sufficient safeguards to ensure fairness.
Court finds no exceptional circumstances
After reviewing arguments from both sides, the Court of Appeal ruled that the application lacked merit.
According to the court, the applicant “failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances or irreparable harm” that would warrant a stay of proceedings.
The ruling effectively upholds the earlier decision of the High Court to proceed with in-camera testimony.
With the dismissal of the application, the case will now continue at the High Court.
The accused persons, including Charles Bissue, are standing trial for allegedly receiving bribes and illicit gifts to unlawfully fast-track the issuance of a mining concession sticker for an unlicensed company.
Legal observers say the decision marks a significant step in the case, as proceedings move forward amid heightened public interest.
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