Ex-NPA CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid denies GH₵280million extortion allegations as legal battle intensifies
The legal team representing former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has issued a strong rebuttal against corruption charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), asserting their client has not been formally served with court documents despite widespread media reports of a 25-count indictment.
In a press statement dated July 17, 2025, Hay & Partners At Law declared: "As at the time of issuing this press statement, our client has not been charged before any court of competent jurisdiction. We are yet to sight any charge sheet."
The legal team emphasised their client's readiness to vigorously contest what they describe as unsubstantiated allegations.
The dispute centres on dramatically different narratives between the prosecution and defence. While the OSP alleges Abdul-Hamid conspired with NPA officials to extort GH₵280.51 million from oil marketing companies between 2022 and 2024, his lawyers highlight what they term a pattern of shifting accusations.
The defence noted that initial OSP claims in February 2025 alleged embezzlement of GH₵1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF), which later transformed into accusations of UPPF mismanagement and procurement breaches, before finally settling on the current extortion charges involving a significantly smaller amount.
Abdul-Hamid's legal representatives presented audited financial records showing substantial growth in NPA accounts during his tenure.
According to their submission, the UPPF grew from GH₵53.2 million in 2021 to GH₵1.14 billion by December 2024, while the Price Differential Margin account recovered from a negative GH₵18.4 million to a positive GH₵470.6 million over the same period.
"Our client served the nation with utmost integrity and competence," stated lawyer Hanifa Yahaya, citing widespread industry recognition of Abdul-Hamid's leadership. The defence maintains these financial improvements contradict allegations of misconduct.
The OSP's case alleges a complex scheme where Abdul-Hamid allegedly received GH₵24 million directly, with GH₵227.23 million routed through NPA staff member Wendy Newman. Prosecutors claim the funds were laundered through three companies - Propnest Ltd, Kel Logistics, and Kings Energy - to acquire real estate, fuel trucks, and construct petrol stations.
Eight other individuals and three corporate entities face related money laundering charges, with one accused, Osei Tutu Adjei, currently evading authorities. The case represents one of Ghana's most significant corruption prosecutions in recent years, testing the effectiveness of the country's anti-corruption framework.
As the legal battle looms, Abdul-Hamid's team remains defiant: "Our client categorically denies initiating or being involved in any extortion scheme... and further denies receiving any personal benefit." With both sides preparing for court, the case promises to be a landmark examination of accountability in Ghana's petroleum sector.
