A/R: High Court acquits Juaben MCE nominee of corruption charges

The High Court in Kumasi has acquitted Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka. He is President Nana Akufo-Addo’s nominee for Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Juaben. The court discharged him of all 26 counts of corruption related to a public election.

Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka had been on trial since May 2022. This followed a viral video showing him allegedly demanding refunds from Assembly Members. In the video, he expressed frustration over money he gave to secure their endorsement.

On Monday, Presiding Judge Priscilla Dikro Ofori ruled that the evidence was insufficient. The viral video did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the funds aimed to influence the MCE confirmation vote. The judge stated, “The prosecution did not establish a clear link between the monies and an intention to corruptly influence votes.”

With this decision, Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka is cleared of all charges. This ends a high-profile case that sparked national debate over political appointments and local government corruption.