Josiah
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has affirmed that plea bargaining in criminal cases is lawful and permissible within the legal framework.
In an interview with Kasapa News, Justice Akuffo clarified that plea bargaining, also known as law negotiations, is acceptable in the prosecution of criminal cases. She highlighted that the prosecution can seek to plea bargain in any criminal case unless there are specific legal restrictions.
She pointed out that in some jurisdictions, plea bargaining can even be applied to murder cases.
“In countries where plea bargaining has been practiced for a long time, it can sometimes be used even in murder cases to reduce the charge to something less severe,” she stated.
Her comments come in response to allegations by businessman Richard Jakpa that Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has been pressuring him at odd hours to implicate Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in the ongoing trial regarding the purchase of allegedly defective ambulances.
Justice Akuffo emphasized that it is not uncommon for a co-defendant to be plea bargained and used as a prosecution witness.
“I am not aware of the specifics of the discussions, but it is common practice to plea bargain with a co-defendant and use them as a prosecution witness in exchange for a lesser charge,” she explained.
Justice Akuffo called for caution and circumspection in the ongoing discussions, emphasizing that the judicial process should not be politicized.
Source:Omanghana.com
