By: Ashiadey Dotse
A Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu says plea bargaining is not a flawed system, but rather a smart and fair way to speed up justice, save state resources, and even restore public confidence in the justice system.
Speaking in an interview on GTV Breakfast Show on Tuesday June 17, 2025, Mr. Kpebu explained that plea bargaining helps the state avoid long, expensive trials. Instead of spending years on a single case, with courtroom space, judges’ time, electricity, and other resources tied up, plea deals help resolve cases faster.
“If a case would have taken five years to convict someone, plea bargaining can conclude it in six months. That means justice is served quickly and society feels safer, it brings early accountability,” he stated
He also explained that plea bargaining does not always mean an accused person is found guilty. In some cases, suspects are not prosecuted because they assist the state with vital information to build cases against others. For example, in the National Service Authority (NSA) case, the Attorney General has entered into agreements not to prosecute some suspects who are helping to recover money or testify against others.
Mr. Kpebu clarified that such agreements are legal under Ghanaian law and serve the larger goal of justice.
“Some people ask, Is this real justice if a suspect walks free after giving information?’ But we must look at the bigger picture, If one person’s help leads to more arrests, prosecutions, or even money recovery, that is still justice. Even the Bible supports second chances” he said.
He added that plea bargaining helps reduce the risk of cases being dropped when governments change and new Attorneys General discontinue old prosecutions.
Mr. Kpebu believes that when used properly, plea bargaining is not only fair, but a tool that strengthens the justice system and makes it more efficient.
