Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has broken his silence following his indictment by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over an alleged GH¢280.5 million extortion and money laundering scheme.
In a statement released on July 17, 2025, Hamid firmly denied any wrongdoing and declared his readiness to contest all charges in court.
“I served with integrity and transparency throughout my tenure at the NPA. I am confident that the truth will prevail, and I am fully prepared to defend myself against these allegations,” Hamid stated.
The OSP has charged Hamid alongside six other individuals and three companies, accusing them of orchestrating a scheme between 2022 and 2024 that unlawfully extorted funds from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies under the guise of regulatory operations.
According to the OSP’s charge sheet, GH¢24 million was allegedly handed directly to Hamid by Jacob Kwamina Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF), An additional GH¢227.2 million was funneled through NPA staff member Wendy Newman for disbursement, The funds were allegedly laundered through property acquisitions, fuel station construction, and the purchase of haulage trucks using companies like Kel Logistics, Kings Energy, and Propnest Ltd.
The accused face 25 counts, including Extortion by a Public Officer (Section 151, Criminal Offences Act, 1960), Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, Money Laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044)
The case is widely seen as a litmus test for President Mahama’s Reset Agenda, which promises to root out corruption and restore public trust in state institutions.
The OSP has vowed to prosecute the matter “without fear or favour,” signaling a new era of accountability in Ghana’s petroleum sector.
Hamid, however, maintains that the charges are unfounded and politically motivated. He has called on the public to allow the judicial process to unfold and expressed confidence in Ghana’s legal system.
This high-profile case could reshape public perceptions of regulatory governance and anti-corruption enforcement. It also raises critical questions about, Procurement transparency within state agencies, Oversight of petroleum pricing mechanisms, The role of whistleblowers and investigative bodies in exposing financial misconduct
As the accused prepare to appear before the High Court in Accra, the nation watches closely, hoping for justice, clarity, and a reaffirmation of ethical leadership.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
