Special Prosecutor invites Juaben MCE nominee over corruption allegation

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has invited the MCE nominee for Juaben in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Alex Sarfo Kantanka for an investigation into a corruption allegation.

According to a statement by the OSP signed by the Special Prosecutor, it notes that the office has commenced investigation into allegations of corruption and corruption-related offenses (especially corruption and intimidation in respect of a public election) in relation to the nomination and confirmation or otherwise of the Municipal Chief Executive of Juaben Municipality in the Ashanti Region.

On October 21, 2021, 20 members of the assembly boycotted the confirmation of the MCE nominee, citing concerns of deployment of armed police and military officers to the venue of the exercise.

Again, on  November 1, the nominee, Alex Sarfo Kantanka, failed to secure the two-thirds majority after he garnered six out of the 26 votes cast in the first attempt.

 Mr. Alex Sarfo Kantanka was granted bail today by the Police after he was arrested over an alleged bribery situation.

According to a Police statement, the arrest was in connection with a viral video of the nominee, in which he was demanding a refund of the money he had paid to Assembly Members to confirm his nomination.

“Police investigations continue and we would like to assure the public that anyone who breaks the law will be arrested and subjected to due legal process since no one is above the law,” the statement said.

Juaben is the outstanding Municipality to have its nominee for MCE confirmed after all 42 districts in the Ashanti Region went through the exercise.

Furthermore, the OSP notes that it considers the Juaben MCE a person necessary for the investigation thus directed him to attend in person at the office of the Special Prosecutor on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 2:30 PM for interviewing.

Finally, the OSP advises the MCE to be accompanied by a counsel of his choice.