Plea bargaining law will not shield criminals – Deputy AG

Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has issued a warning that the plea bargaining regime will not be used to shield criminals.

This regime permits accused individuals, prior to judgment, to negotiate a change of charge to a lesser offence, seek a reduction in punishment, or have a charge withdrawn.

However, during a capacity-building program for prosecuting attorneys, Tuah-Yeboah emphasized that individuals charged with sexual offences, election-related crimes, and similar serious offences will not be eligible for the benefits of the plea bargaining act.

“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.

“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.”