OSP to Press Charges Against Top NPA Officials Over GH¢280 Million Corruption Scandal

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced plans to file criminal charges before the end of June against several senior officials of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) over a corruption scandal involving more than GH¢280 million.

The alleged misconduct occurred between 2022 and 2024.

In February 2025, the OSP revealed it had initiated investigations into former NPA Chief Executive Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, accused of embezzling GH¢1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF). Three other officials were also under scrutiny: Jacob Amuah (UPPF Coordinator), Freda Tandoh, and Wendy Ashong Newman.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday evening, June 2, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng disclosed that charges would soon be filed against four high-ranking NPA officials. Though he withheld specific names, he confirmed that investigations launched in November 2024 had uncovered evidence of a deliberate and systemic abuse of office.

According to Mr. Agyebeng, the officials exploited their regulatory authority over oil marketing companies by employing threats, coercion, bribery, and undue pressure to extract large sums of money for personal gain.

By May 30, 2025, the OSP had traced GH¢280,516,127.19 in illicit proceeds, allegedly used to acquire luxury properties both in Ghana and abroad, twenty-two fuel haulage trucks, and even to establish and operate competing oil marketing companies.

Mr. Agyebeng stated that criminal charges would be filed against the initial group of suspects—including complicit officials from oil marketing companies—before the end of June. Following the filing, the OSP will provide full public disclosure detailing the individuals involved, their roles, and the assets recovered so far.