Court Acquits and Discharges ‘Chairman Aluta’

A Kumasi High Court has acquitted and discharged former Juaben Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) nominee, Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, popularly known as Chairman Aluta, who was facing multiple corruption charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The ruling was delivered by Her Ladyship Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori at High Court Four in Kumasi.

In a brief judgment lasting less than eight minutes, the judge ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a case beyond reasonable doubt against the accused.

Justice Dikro Ofori noted that assembly members of the Juaben Municipal Assembly – key witnesses in the case – denied receiving any money from Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka.

She further pointed out that the viral video, which allegedly captured the accused demanding money from the assembly members was not sufficient proof that money was indeed exchanged as bribes.

In view of the lack of credible evidence, the accused is hereby acquitted and discharged, the judge declared in a quite courtroom.

Sarfo-Kantanka, who stood quietly in the dock during the ruling, was visibly emotional after the verdict.

Dressed in a green outfit, he lifted his hands in thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for what he called a fair and just trial.

Background

In 2022, Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka was accused by the OSP of engaging in electoral corruption. According to the allegations, he attempted to bribe local assembly members to confirm his nomination as MCE, following his appointment by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The OSP launched investigations after a viral video surfaced online, showing Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka allegedly demanding refunds from some assembly members after his confirmation failed.

Based on that video, the OSP charged him with 26 counts of corruption in relation to a public election.

When the trial began on October 20, 2022 the court ruled that a prima facie case had been established on only three of the original 26 charges. The defense was thus ordered to open its case on those three counts.

After nearly three years of legal proceedings, the court found no basis to convict the accused and dismissed all charges.

Defence Counsel Reacts

Speaking to the media after the ruling, lead counsel for the accused, Mr. Kwame Adom Appiah, expressed relief and gratitude for the judgment, saying “My client has suffered trauma throughout this case, but today, justice has prevailed,” he said.

Responding to questions about the controversial video, Mr. Appiah argued that the clip was taken out of context and did not provide concrete evidence of corruption.

“Chairman Aluta was merely demanding repayment from someone who had been ungrateful. The OSP’s reliance on the video was therefore misplaced,” he added.

“The Heavens Have Spoken” – Chairman Aluta

In his reaction, a visibly elated Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka thanked God for what he called a divine vindication.

“The heavens have spoken,” he said. “I am grateful to God, my lawyers and everyone who stood by me during these difficult years.”

The ruling marks the end of a closely watched case that had drawn national attention due to the involvement of the Special Prosecutor’s office and the viral nature of the evidence presented.

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