The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has revealed shocking details of alleged large-scale corruption, extortion, and money laundering involving the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and several other top officials.
According to the OSP, its investigation has uncovered a web of illicit transactions, including attempts to extort over GH¢291 million and US$330,000 from bulk oil distributors and oil marketing companies between December 2022 and December 2024.
In a statement issued by the OSP, the suspects—led by Dr. Hamid—are also accused of unlawfully receiving GH¢24 million and US$230,000 through various channels. Investigators further discovered that Dr. Hamid was in possession of GH¢15.3 million, an amount allegedly inconsistent with his legitimate earnings as a public officer.
The OSP noted that the ongoing probe has so far led to the seizure and freezing of assets worth over GH¢100 million and US$100,000 believed to have been acquired through proceeds of corruption. Authorities say additional assets are being traced as part of an extended money laundering investigation.
This development follows an earlier charge sheet that initially contained 25 counts against Dr. Hamid and nine other individuals, including NPA officials and associates in the petroleum industry. The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has since expanded the charges to 54 counts, covering a range of offences including extortion, abuse of office, illicit enrichment, and conspiracy to commit corruption-related crimes.
The OSP’s statement emphasized that the alleged acts of corruption were systematic and designed to influence the operations of oil marketing companies and petroleum transporters. These schemes, according to investigators, were aimed at securing unauthorized financial benefits under the guise of regulatory facilitation.
Officials close to the case describe it as one of the largest corruption scandals to hit Ghana’s petroleum sector in recent years, and a significant test of the country’s anti-corruption framework. The OSP maintains that it is determined to ensure accountability and prevent the misuse of public office for personal gain.
Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, a former Minister for Information and past CEO of the NPA, is yet to publicly respond to the new allegations. However, sources close to his legal team suggest he intends to challenge the charges in court, maintaining that all transactions during his tenure were lawful and duly authorized.
The case has reignited public debate about corruption in Ghana’s energy sector, with civil society groups calling for transparency and full prosecution of any individuals found culpable.
The OSP has reiterated its commitment to bringing all offenders to justice and ensuring that every cedi of misappropriated public funds is recovered.