The former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has been granted GH¢2 million bail in connection with the GH¢280 million corruption case being pursued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Dr. Abdul-Hamid, who is the first accused in the case, was admitted to bail alongside Jacob Kwamena Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, and Wendy Newman, an NPA employee.
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All three are required to produce two sureties each, both of whom must earn a net monthly salary of no less than GH¢5,000, with the amounts to be justified.
In addition, the trio must report to the OSP every two weeks as investigations continue.
They have all pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion by a public officer, use of public office for profit, and money laundering.
More accused granted bail with stricter terms
The court also granted bail to four additional individuals—Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquah—who face similar charges.
Each was granted GH¢2 million bail, but with three sureties, including one backed by landed property. They too must report to the OSP biweekly.
The remaining accused persons—yet to be named—include corporate entities allegedly involved in the grand scheme of corruption and financial misconduct within the petroleum sector between 2022 and 2024.
According to prosecutors, the accused allegedly operated an elaborate scheme targeting Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs), using their public office to extort funds.
Investigations suggest that proceeds from the scheme were laundered into real estate, luxury vehicles, and fuel stations.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has vowed to follow the money trail and bring all collaborators to justice in what is shaping up to be one of Ghana’s most high-profile corruption trials in recent years.
Next hearing scheduled for August 26
The case has been adjourned to August 26, 2025, when the court is expected to commence substantive hearings.
Legal experts and civil society groups are closely monitoring the proceedings, which could have wide-reaching implications for accountability in Ghana’s energy sector.
The outcome of this case may set a significant precedent for the fight against high-level corruption and misuse of public office.
