OSP seizes GH¢100m assets in NPA corruption probe

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has seized assets valued at more than GH¢100 million and US$100,000 in connection with the ongoing investigation into an alleged grand extortion and money-laundering scheme involving the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

The probe centres on former NPA Chief Executive Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and six others, accused of orchestrating large-scale financial crimes that the OSP says caused the State and the petroleum sector losses exceeding GH¢291 million and over US$330,000. Additional assets are currently under active tracing.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid, who is the first accused in the case, is among seven individuals and three corporate entities facing prosecution over alleged corruption and abuse of office between 2022 and 2024.

The charges include:

Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by a Public Officer, jointly with two NPA officials, for allegedly plotting to extort GH¢291,574,087.19 and US$332,407.47 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies.

Two counts of Extortion by a Public Officer, involving the unlawful receipt of GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 from oil transporters and haulage firms under the guise of official duties.

Two counts of Using Public Office for Profit, for allegedly abusing his position for private gain and enriching himself with GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000.

Money Laundering, for allegedly possessing GH¢15,343,251.29, suspected to be proceeds of crime disproportionate to his legitimate income.

In a statement on Tuesday, November 4, the OSP said the seizures were based on strong documentary, banking, and transactional evidence linking the accused to the alleged offences. It added that investigators are tracking additional properties believed to have been acquired through illicit means.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdul-Hamid has dismissed the ongoing criminal proceedings as “useless” and politically motivated in a viral video circulating on social media.

In response, the OSP reaffirmed that the charges are “serious and supported by extensive evidence” of corruption and financial misconduct.

It further emphasised that the case forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and transparency within Ghana’s petroleum sector