The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that offers for a plea bargain were presented in the ongoing Wontumi case, but he firmly rejected them, signaling the government’s commitment to pursuing the matter through full legal processes.
Addressing the Media today 22nd October, 2025 Dr. Ayine confirmed that overtures had been made by representatives of the accused to reach a negotiated settlement.
However, he stated that after reviewing the details, his office decided against the deal, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability.
“Offers for a plea deal were made in the Wontumi case, but I turned them down,” Dr. Ayine disclosed.
Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing legal action over alleged infractions related to illegal mining activities (galamsey) and purported violations of environmental and mining regulations.
The charges stem from investigations conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission, which linked operations associated with Wontumi’s companies to unlawful mining activities in restricted forest reserves.
The Attorney-General’s Department subsequently initiated prosecution, citing breaches of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act.
Wontumi’s legal team had reportedly explored the possibility of a plea bargain a legal mechanism introduced under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1079) — which allows an accused person to admit guilt in exchange for a reduced sentence or penalty.
However, Dr. Ayine stated that his office found the terms unsatisfactory, asserting that “public interest and the integrity of the justice system” must take precedence over negotiated settlements.
Legal analysts note that this decision highlights a shift in the Attorney-General’s approach toward high-profile corruption and environmental cases.
While plea bargaining has been embraced as a means to expedite justice and decongest courts, the rejection of such a deal in this instance reflects the state’s intent to ensure full prosecution of individuals accused of actions that harm the environment or undermine governance.
The Wontumi case continues to draw significant public attention due to the political stature of the accused and the broader national conversation around illegal mining (galamsey), which has ravaged several of Ghana’s rivers and forests.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
