Plea deals open to corruption suspects who meet legal requirements – Dr Ayine

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, says plea bargaining remains a lawful option in ongoing criminal cases, provided the accused persons meet the legal conditions set out under Ghana’s Plea Bargaining Act.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, 24 March 2025, Dr Ayine explained that plea bargaining introduced into Ghana’s legal system in 2022 offers an alternative to full trials in suitable cases and is grounded in established legal procedures.

“We have not ruled out the possibility of plea bargaining in any matter,” Dr Ayine said. “Where an accused person shows genuine willingness to cooperate with prosecutors, make restitution, and help recover public funds, we are open to engaging within the law.”

He explained that such arrangements could help speed up judicial processes, reduce court delays, and allow the state to retrieve misappropriated assets more quickly than through lengthy trials.

Dr Ayine was quick to add, though, that plea deals would not be available to every suspect.

“This is not a blanket offer,” he stressed. “The seriousness of the offence, the behaviour of the accused, and the value or extent of restitution will all be taken into account.”

He disclosed that his office is currently in talks with lawyers representing some individuals under investigation, though no agreements have yet been concluded.

Responding to questions about whether the use of plea bargaining could allow influential individuals to avoid proper punishment, Dr Ayine insisted that every agreement must go through the courts.

“No plea deal becomes valid unless it is approved by a judge,” he said. “The court must be satisfied that the agreement is voluntary, lawful, and serves the public interest.”

He encouraged the public to see plea bargaining as a lawful and practical tool within the justice system—one that, when used appropriately, can support efforts to recover public funds and bring closure to certain cases without compromising due process.

Among those present at the press conference was Mr Charles Bissue, who is part of the Attorney-General’s delegation. Discussions at the briefing also touched on wider concerns about delays in high-profile investigations and the balance between public expectations and the rule of law.

Dr Ayine maintained that while the state is determined to pursue credible cases of wrongdoing, all actions must remain within the bounds of the law.