Princess Avenyoh
Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine others are scheduled to appear before the Criminal Division 3 of the High Court on Wednesday, 23rd July 2025.
All accused persons are currently on inquiry bail granted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Earlier, the OSP charged Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and others over an alleged GH¢280 million extortion and money laundering scheme.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the amount in question.
In other news
Mustapha Hamid denies involvement in GHS280 million extortion case
Lawyers for Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) have denied claims that he was part of a GHS280 million extortion and money laundering scheme.
This follows a press release from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which named Dr. Abdul-Hamid among six individuals and three companies charged in connection with the alleged scheme said to have taken place within the NPA.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 17, his legal team said Dr. Abdul-Hamid has not been formally charged or served with any charge sheet.
“Our client denies all the allegations against him contained in the said publication and press release…
He is ready to contest all the allegations in court and defend his good name,” the statement said.
The lawyers recalled that in February 2025, the OSP had first accused Dr. Abdul-Hamid of embezzling GHS1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF).
In response, he wrote a letter on February 17, 2025, asking the OSP to withdraw the claims. According to his legal team, the OSP did not respond.
Later, on February 25, Dr. Abdul-Hamid was invited by the OSP for questioning over alleged mismanagement of the UPPF and procurement breaches.
His lawyers say the allegations have since changed from embezzlement and procurement issues to extortion and money laundering.
The amount in question has also been reduced from GHS1.3 billion to GHS280 million.
The OSP now claims Dr. Abdul-Hamid received GHS24 million from money allegedly extorted from oil marketing companies and petroleum transporters but his lawyers have rejected this claim.
“Our client categorically denies initiating or being involved in any extortion scheme, either directly or indirectly…
He further denies receiving any personal benefit from any such alleged extortion,” the lawyers stated.
They also criticised what they described as the OSP’s inconsistent and changing narrative and said Dr. Abdul-Hamid is prepared to clear his name in court.