Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has cautioned that the plea bargaining regime will not be used to protect criminals.
The regime allows accused persons, before judgment, to negotiate for a reduced charge, a lighter sentence, or even have a charge withdrawn. However, speaking at a capacity-building program for prosecuting attorneys, Tuah-Yeboah stressed that serious offenses, including sexual crimes and election-related offenses, will not be eligible for plea bargaining.
“The guidelines should not be an excuse or used as a means to evade justice,” Tuah-Yeboah said. He assured the public that the application of the Plea Bargaining Act should not be seen as an attempt to undermine justice.
He added, “In appropriate cases where we need to apply the law, the law will be applied. In cases where it cannot be applied, it will not be used.”
Tuah-Yeboah also advised prosecutors to strictly adhere to the guidelines, ensuring that only those who genuinely deserve the benefits of the plea bargaining regime receive them, while those who do not qualify are held accountable.
He warned potential offenders, stating, “To the criminals out there, if you think these guidelines will allow you to commit crimes and escape consequences, be warned—the plea bargaining act will not serve as a shield for criminal behavior.”