Dr. Ayine opposes reintroduction of Plea Bargaining Bill

Attorney General and Minister of Justice-designate, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has expressed reservations about reintroducing the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Amendment Bill, which incorporated plea bargaining into Ghana’s justice system.

Speaking during his vetting on January 13, Dr. Ayine criticized aspects of the bill, particularly its premise that preliminary applications unnecessarily delay trials. He argued that such applications are vital for ensuring justice and should not be restricted.

Dr. Ayine stressed the judiciary’s role in handling these applications swiftly to avoid trial delays. While pledging to review the bill if reintroduced, he stated, “I have fundamental issues with it.”

The 2022 amendment, championed by then-Attorney General Godfred Dame, aimed to reduce court caseloads and prison congestion while promoting victim restitution. It awaits presidential assent to become law.