Deputy AG warns against use of plea bargain to shield criminals

A Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has cautioned Ghanaians against using the plea bargain in the court of law as an excuse to evade justice.

According to him, individuals convicted of serious offences such as sexual offences, election-related crimes, and other similar offences do not qualify for the benefits associated with plea bargaining.

He made this known during a capacity-building programme for prosecuting attorneys, citinewsroom.com reports.

“The guidelines should not be an excuse or should not be used as a springboard for the evasion of justice. And to the public, the application of the Plea Bargaining Act shouldn’t be seen as an attempt to undermine justice.

“In appropriate cases where we need to apply the law, the law will be applied. In cases where we cannot apply the law, the law will not be applied.”

Tuah-Yeboah also warned prosecutors to adhere to the guidelines, ensuring that justice is served in cases that require it while punishing offenders who deserve punishment.

He emphasised that the plea bargain should not be used as a tool to shield criminals or to perpetuate their wrongful activities.

“And so as you take the guidelines back to your regions, stick to the guidelines so well, make sure those who deserve the benefit of the guidelines get it. Those who do not deserve it, don’t give it to them.

“And to the criminals out there, if you think that by launching these guidelines, you are going to just commit crimes and go clean the net, be on notice, the plea bargaining act will not be used as a shield for criminals to perpetuate their wrongful activities,” he is quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com.

MAG/ ADG