A Kumasi High Court has granted bail to NPP Chairman for Juaben constituency, Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, over election corruption.

He pleaded not guilty to all 26 counts of corruption in respect of public elections, contrary to provisions in the Criminal Offences Act, ACT 29.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor charged Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka after he is alleged to have demanded a refund of money he paid publicly to induce some assembly members to vote and confirm him as Juaben Municipal Chief Executive in September last year.

The accused, Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, then MCE nominee for Juaben failed twice in his bid to get confirmation from 26 assembly members, comprising 18 elected and 8 government appointees in September and November last year.

He polled 5 out of expected 26 in the first attempt. The votes were appreciated in the second round with 10 votes, but failed to secure the mandate of assembly members.

Frustrated over the failure to seek approval of assembly members, Mr. Sarfo Kantanka allegedly confronted some assembly members and demanded a refund of monies paid to them.

Video recordings of those encounters went viral on social media.

Deputy Special Prosecutor, Cynthia Lamptey, told the court the accused endeavored directly to influence the conduct of assembly members in the performance of their duties as voters in respect of public elections paying GH5,000 and 2,500 to assembly members.

But the accused pleaded not guilty to all 26 counts of corruption charges in respect of a public election contrary to section 256 one and two of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960.

Defense Counsel, Kwame Adom-Appiah, prayed the court to grant the accused a self-recognizance bail since he has demonstrated to be a law-abiding citizen and cooperated with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The court, presided by Her Ladyship Priscilla Dikro Ofori, granted the accused bail with the sum of GH90,000 with two sureties.

All sureties, according to the court, must possess Ghana Cards with one to be justified with landed property.

Meanwhile, the hearing has been adjourned to June 29, 2022 for the Case Management Conference to begin.

At the time of filing this report, Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka was yet to meet the bail conditions.