Akufo-Addo’s Juaben MCE nominee Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka acquitted and discharged

The High Court in Kumasi has acquitted Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka. He was the nominee for Juaben Municipal Chief Executive in the Ashanti Region.

Sarfo-Kantanka faced 26 corruption-related charges since May 2022. The trial began on October 20, 2022.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor investigated after a video surfaced online. In the video, Sarfo-Kantanka demanded a refund from assembly members. He allegedly paid them to secure his nomination confirmation.

Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori ruled that the video did not prove bribery. It showed him asking for funds but did not confirm vote influence.

In 2022, the OSP charged Sarfo-Kantanka with election-related corruption. He failed to secure enough votes to become MCE after two rounds of voting in September and November 2021.

He was caught on camera demanding money back from assembly members. Reports say he gave each elected member GH¢5,000 and government appointees GH¢2,500 each.