Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has dismissed reports suggesting he is under pressure to negotiate plea deals with former government appointees and political figures facing corruption-related charges.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Dr Ayine clarified that while some accused persons have indeed proposed plea bargains — including the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi — none of these offers have been accepted.
He stressed that his decisions remain independent and guided solely by the rule of law, adding that President John Dramani Mahama and other government officials have not interfered with his work.
“I’m under no pressure from any quarters to cut deals,” Dr Ayine stated. “Mr President, who is my boss, has not put any pressure on me. The Chief of Staff has not put pressure on me either. Offers have been made, but I have turned all of them down. I’ve told everyone — go to court.”
Dr Ayine explained that his office had rejected several attempts at out-of-court settlements, including one from Chairman Wontumi.
“In the Wontumi case, offers were made for a plea bargain, but I said no. I’m filing charges. If anyone wants to make a plea, they can do it before the judge — that’s my strategy,” he said.
He also refuted claims circulated by sections of the opposition that he was secretly brokering deals with NPP officials, calling the allegations “false and politically motivated.”
“The NPP took advantage and said I was cutting deals. No deals have been cut, and no deal will be cut,” he emphasised.
Chairman Wontumi, who is the first accused in a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited, faces charges of engaging in unlicensed mining operations and assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been granted bail by two different High Courts in Accra.
- Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay granted him bail in the sum of GH¢15 million with three sureties, two of whom must justify with landed property.
- In a separate ruling, Justice Ruby Aryeetey granted bail to both Wontumi and Edward Akuoko, Operations Manager of Akonta Mining, in the amount of GH¢10 million each, with two sureties, one of whom must justify with property.
Chairman Wontumi has since satisfied his bail conditions and been released, as proceedings continue in both Akonta Mining-related cases.
