Accra: Richard Armah, a private legal practitioner and Executive Director of the Center for Legitimacy and Rule of Law, has stated that Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, must plead guilty for his plea bargain application to be successful. Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and two others, are involved in a plea bargain process with the Attorney-General.
According to Ghana Web, the accused are facing charges related to allegedly defrauding the Ghana Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) of GHS14.3 million. Armah, speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio, explained that plea bargaining involves an accused person admitting to their wrongdoing in return for a negotiated, reduced punishment. He emphasized that the success of a plea bargain depends on the Attorney-General's acceptance, the preparation of official documentation, and the formal approval by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Armah further noted that in financial crime cases, such as embezzlement and fraud, the accused often must refund the stolen funds with interest or pay a significant portion of it, alongside a negotiated, shorter prison sentence. He clarified that a plea bargain still results in a criminal conviction, meaning that even if the accused avoids prison time, they will have a permanent criminal record.
Armah addressed public criticism regarding the plea bargain process, arguing that it is a recognized part of criminal procedure in Ghana. He reminded the public that the Attorney-General holds the right to reject any plea bargain application. In response to those opposing the plea bargain, Armah stated that the procedure is part of the legal process and must be considered as such. He highlighted that if successful, the accused could be required to return the embezzled funds without serving jail time, or face both penalties.