Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that multiple offers were made to his office in relation to the prosecutio
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has revealed that multiple offers were made to his office in relation to the prosecution of Bernard Antwi Boasiako — popularly known as Chairman Wontumi — but he rejected them outright.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, Dr. Ayine said he has made it clear that any plea bargain will only be entertained under the supervision of a competent court.
“Offers have been made, and I have turned all of them down. I have told everybody, please go to court if you want a plea deal. In the Wontumi case, offers were made for a plea bargain, and I said no, I am filing charges. If you want a plea deal, announce your intention to the judge. That is now my strategy,” he stated.
He emphasized his commitment to due process and transparency in all prosecutorial matters, stressing that no political or external influence has been brought to bear on his office.
Dr. Ayine also dismissed claims that his previous comments about being open to plea bargains meant he was “cutting deals in the office.”
“No deal has been cut, and no deal will be cut except under the auspices of a court of competent jurisdiction,” he declared.
Background
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is currently facing prosecution over alleged illegal mining operations linked to his company, Akonta Mining Limited.
He is accused of operating without a valid license, unlawfully assigning mineral rights, and facilitating unlicensed mining within the Samreboi Forest Reserve in the Western Region.
A joint security operation in April 2025 reportedly uncovered excavators, firearms, cash, and other mining equipment at the site.
Wontumi has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been granted bail by the Accra High Court under strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and being placed on a stop list.