The legal team representing Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has issued a strong rebuttal to the corruption charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). They assert that their client has not been formally served with court documents, despite widespread media reports regarding a 25-count indictment.
In a press statement dated July 17, 2025, Hay & Partners At Law stated, “As of the time of issuing this press statement, our client has not been charged before any court of competent jurisdiction. We have yet to review any charge sheet.” The legal team emphasised their client’s readiness to vigorously contest what they describe as unfounded allegations.
The dispute highlights dramatically different narratives from the prosecution and the defence. The OSP alleges that Abdul-Hamid conspired with NPA officials to extort GH₵280.51 million from oil marketing companies between 2022 and 2024. On the other hand, his lawyers point out what they see as a pattern of shifting accusations. They noted that the initial OSP claims in February 2025 alleged embezzlement of GH₵1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF). These allegations later evolved into accusations of mismanagement and procurement breaches within the UPPF, 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.
Source: GraphicOnline
