Ex-NPA boss denies involvement in alleged GH₵280m extortion scheme

The former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has denied involvement in a high-profile extortion and money laundering case in which officials are accused of illegally collecting over GH₵280 million from players in the oil sector.

Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid appeared before the High Court in Accra on Wednesday, where he entered a not guilty plea to multiple charges, including extortion, conspiracy, and abuse of office.

Prosecutors allege that Dr. Abdul-Hamid masterminded an elaborate scheme that targeted oil marketing companies and bulk oil transporters between 2022 and 2024. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) claims that under the guise of official duties, top NPA officials coordinated efforts to solicit vast sums of money from industry players—funds that were later funnelled into private hands.

Two other NPA staff members—Jacob Kwamina Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, and Wendy Newman—also pleaded not guilty. All three were granted bail of GH₵2 million each.

Conditions include the provision of two sureties, one of whom must be a public servant with a minimum monthly income of GH₵5,000, and the other able to prove ownership of landed property. The accused has also been instructed to report to authorities every two weeks.

The prosecution contends that Amuah acted as the operational lead, allegedly transferring GH₵24 million to Dr. Abdul-Hamid within a 12-month period. Newman is said to have handled more than GH₵227 million in proceeds, reportedly distributing the funds under Amuah’s directives.

Five individuals linked to three private companies believed to have facilitated the laundering of the funds are also facing charges. They include Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah. Investigators say these companies were established to move and disguise the origins of the illicit funds, which were later used to acquire property, fuel tankers, and establish filling stations.

All eight accused individuals have been granted bail and are scheduled to return to court on 23 August as the case proceeds.