The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has responded to comments by former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, who described his ongoing criminal trial as “useless.”
In a statement, the OSP said the case is both serious and substantial, and involves extensive evidence of corruption and financial crimes. Dr. Abdul-Hamid is facing trial before the Criminal High Court in Accra on charges including conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion by a public officer, using public office for profit, and money laundering.
According to the OSP, Dr. Abdul-Hamid and two officials of the NPA are accused of conspiring to extort more than GH¢291 million and over US$330,000 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies between December 2022 and December 2024. He is also alleged to have unlawfully received GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 under the guise of official duties, and to have personally benefited from the proceeds.
Investigators say Dr. Abdul-Hamid was found to have more than GH¢15 million in unexplained funds, which the OSP suspects to be the proceeds of crime. In total, the alleged offences are said to have caused the State and the petroleum sector losses exceeding GH¢291 million and US$330,000.
The OSP has already seized and frozen assets worth over GH¢100 million and US$100,000, with further assets under tracing. The office says its actions are supported by strong documentary, banking, and transaction evidence.
“This case is a major step in protecting public funds and ensuring accountability in the petroleum sector,” the OSP said, adding that the prosecution affirms the principle that no public official is above the law.
The trial continues on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
