OSP Appeals High Court’s Ruling in Juaben MCE Bribery Case

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed an appeal against the High Court's decision to acquit former Juaben Municipal Chief Executive nominee, Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, in a high-profile bribery case. The OSP insists the ruling undermines anti-corruption efforts and seeks to have it overturned.

Jun 27, 2025 - 13:48
OSP Appeals High Court’s Ruling in Juaben MCE Bribery Case

Accra, Ghana – The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken legal steps to challenge the High Court’s ruling that acquitted Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, the former Juaben Municipal Chief Executive nominee, of corruption-related charges.

Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka had been prosecuted by the OSP over allegations of attempted vote-buying during his MCE confirmation process in 2021. He was accused of offering bribes to assembly members to influence their votes in his favor.

In a ruling that stunned anti-graft advocates, the High Court recently dismissed the case, citing insufficient evidence to support the charge of corruption. The decision prompted the OSP to issue a statement and swiftly file a notice of appeal.

According to the OSP, the ruling sets a dangerous precedent that could weaken public confidence in the justice system and embolden corrupt practices in local governance.

“The OSP respectfully disagrees with the court’s judgment and believes the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to establish the offense. This appeal is in the interest of justice and the fight against corruption,” the OSP noted in its filing.

The appeal, filed at the Court of Appeal, seeks to overturn the acquittal and restart the process for accountability.

Background

Sarfo-Kantanka’s nomination was rejected twice by the Juaben Municipal Assembly, following which viral videos emerged allegedly showing him demanding refunds of monies he claimed to have paid to assembly members. The OSP launched an investigation and charged him with corruption in November 2022.

The case was seen as a litmus test for the OSP’s mandate to tackle corruption in political appointments and local government administration.

The Court of Appeal is expected to announce a date for hearing the matter in the coming weeks.

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