The Court of Appeal has dismissed an application filed by Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe, the third accused in the bribery case involving the Republic v. Charles Bissue, Raphael Mensah, and Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, it was disclosed that Dr Tagoe lodged the application after the trial court declined to suspend its December 9, 2025 ruling, which permitted the first prosecution witness to testify in camera. The application sought an order to halt further proceedings at the High Court.
Counsel for the applicant contended that allowing the witness to testify behind closed doors would violate the accused persons’ constitutional right to a fair and public hearing.
The prosecution opposed the motion, arguing that the applicant had not demonstrated any irreparable harm.
They further submitted that the High Court had put in place adequate protective measures to safeguard the rights of the accused, uphold the integrity of the trial, and prevent any miscarriage of justice.
Having considered the arguments from both parties, the Court of Appeal ruled that the application was without merit. The court held that the applicant failed to establish exceptional circumstances justifying appellate intervention. The application was therefore dismissed.
The statement from the Office of the Special Prosecutor confirmed that proceedings at the High Court will continue as scheduled.
Charles Bissue, Raphael Mensah, and Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe are on trial for allegedly receiving bribes and illicit gifts to facilitate and expedite the issuance of a mining concession “sticker” to an unlicensed company. The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.