Office Of The Special Prosecutor Responds to Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid’s “Useless Case” Comment — Restates Facts Behind Ongoing Prosecution

Following a viral video in which former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, dismissed his ongoing criminal case as “useless,” the State has moved to restate the facts behind his prosecution — emphasizing that the charges are both serious and substantial.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid, who is the first accused person, is currently standing trial before the Criminal High Court in Accra on multiple counts of corruption and financial crimes.

According to the charge sheet, the former NPA boss faces allegations including:

Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by a Public Officer – jointly with two NPA officials, allegedly plotting 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 – involving the unlawful receipt of GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 under the guise of official duties.

Two Counts of Using Public Office for Profit – accused of abusing his position as NPA Chief Executive for personal enrichment with the same amounts.

Money Laundering – found in possession of GH¢15,343,251.29, an amount deemed disproportionate to his known legitimate income and suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In total, prosecutors allege that Dr. Abdul-Hamid played a leading role in a grand extortion and laundering scheme that caused the State and the petroleum sector losses exceeding GH¢291 million and over US$330,000.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has already seized and frozen assets valued at more than GH¢100 million and over US$100,000, with further assets currently under tracing. Investigators say the actions are backed by strong documentary, banking, and transaction evidence linking the proceeds to the alleged crimes.

Officials say this case represents a major step in protecting public funds and ensuring accountability in the petroleum sector, reiterating that no public officer is above the law.

The next court sitting is scheduled for Thursday, 13 November 2025.