The Republic vs. Alexander Sarfo Kantanka legal tussle that spanned 2 years and 11 months has come to an end with the latter emerging victorious.

The Juaben MCE nominee under the Akufo-Addo-led government, Mr Sarfo Kantaka, was charged on 26 counts of corruption in respect of a public election contrary to Section 256 (1)(2) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) as amended by Section 9 of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 1034) by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

In September 2021, Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka was accused of bribing 26 Juaben Municipal Assembly members to secure nomination as Municipal Chief Executive.

The accusation emerged after was caught on camera demanding the return of monies he had paid to some members of the assembly to influence his confirmation after failing to secure the needed votes to become the MCE for the Juaben Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region after two rounds of voting in September and November.

The suspect allegedly gave the elected members of the assem­bly GH¢5000 each and gave GH¢2,500 to each of the govern­ment appointees.

On November 2, 2021, the OSP commenced an investigation into the case, and on 24 24, 2022, charged Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka, who pleaded not guilty to 26 counts

The trial commenced at the Kumasi High Court on 20 October. The following year in July, the OSP closed its case. Four months later, the then-accused filed a Submission of No Case.

On November 29, the OSP filed a written response to the Submission of No Case by the accused. The court on April 9, 2024, dismissed the Submission of No Case.

This prompted Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal and concurrently file for a stay of proceedings at the Kumasi High Court, but both failed.

A date was set for judgement (November 28), but the case was adjourned after the presiding judge was transferred.

In court today, the High Court in Kumasi acquitted and discharged, ruling that the video evidence does not show that he gave money to influence assembly members.