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

Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka had been on trial since May 2022, after a video surfaced showing him allegedly demanding refunds from Assembly Members.

The video, which went viral, appeared to capture the nominee expressing frustration over monies he purportedly gave to the Assembly Members to secure their endorsement.

However, Presiding Judge  Priscilla Dikro Ofori ruled on Monday that the evidence presented — including the viral video — failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the funds were intended to influence the outcome of the MCE confirmation vote.

“The prosecution did not establish a clear link between the monies allegedly paid and an intention to corruptly influence the Assembly Members' votes,” the judge stated.

With the court’s decision, Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka has been cleared of all charges, bringing an end to a high-profile case that sparked national debate over political appointments and corruption at the local government level.