OSP Expands Charges Against Mustapha Hamid and Nine Others from 25 to 54 Over GH¢297m Corruption Scandal

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has expanded the list of charges in the ongoing corruption case involving former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and nine others, increasing the counts from 25 to 54 after uncovering new evidence.

According to the amended charge sheet, the accused face 54 criminal counts, including extortion, abuse of public office, and money laundering involving GH¢297,574,087.19 and US$332,407.47. The alleged offences reportedly took place between 2022 and 2024 within the petroleum sector.

The OSP alleges that the defendants extorted vast sums of money from Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs) and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under the guise of official duties, later laundering the proceeds through business entities and luxury property acquisitions to conceal their illegal origins.

Those charged include Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Jacob Kwamina An-wan, Wendy Newman, Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah. The corporate entities named in the suit are Propnest Limited, Kel Logistics Limited, and Kings Energy Limited.

The OSP has also confirmed the seizure and freezing of various assets belonging to the accused, including fuel stations, tanker trucks, residential properties, and parcels of land valued at over GH¢100 million.

Investigations revealed that the accused allegedly operated a coordinated network that siphoned funds from petroleum sector operators, funnelling the proceeds into real estate, fuel businesses, and luxury vehicles.

The case, which has attracted national attention, has been adjourned to August 26, 2025, for substantive hearings.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid, who is the first accused, was granted bail on July 23 in the sum of GH¢2 million with two sureties earning at least GH¢5,000 monthly. He is also required to report to the OSP every two weeks as the case proceeds.

The OSP has described the case as one of the most significant corruption prosecutions in recent years, vowing to pursue all individuals and entities implicated in the alleged large-scale extortion and money laundering scheme.