By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a response to remarks made by former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.
In a widely circulated video, Dr. Abdul-Hamid referred to his ongoing criminal proceedings as “useless” and politically driven.
In a statement, the OSP maintained that the accusations against Dr. Abdul-Hamid are grave and backed by substantial evidence of corruption and financial wrongdoing.
The OSP emphasized that Dr. Abdul-Hamid, the primary accused, is currently being tried before the Criminal High Court in Accra on several charges of corruption and related crimes.
The charges include:
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by a Public Officer together with two NPA officials, for allegedly conspiring to extort GH¢291,574,087.19 and US$332,407.47 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies between December 2022 and December 2024.
Two counts of Extortion by a Public Officer for unlawfully receiving GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 from transport and haulage companies under the pretense of official business.
Two counts of Using Public Office for Profit for allegedly exploiting his position for personal enrichment, unlawfully gaining GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000.
Money Laundering for possessing GH¢15,343,251.29 believed to be proceeds of crime, which allegedly exceeds his legitimate earnings.
The OSP stated that Dr. Abdul-Hamid is suspected of being a key figure in an extensive extortion and money-laundering operation that resulted in losses of over GH¢291 million and US$330,000 to the State and the petroleum sector.
According to the OSP, assets worth more than GH¢100 million and US$100,000 have already been seized and frozen, with further property still being tracked. These actions are said to be supported by documentary, banking, and transactional records connecting the accused to the alleged crimes.
Calling the prosecution a “major step in protecting public funds and ensuring accountability,” the OSP reiterated that no public official is exempt from the law.
Meanwhile, the trial has been postponed to Thursday, November 13, 2025, for the next court sitting.
