Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢2 million in connection with an ongoing GH¢280 million extortion and money laundering case filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The bail conditions require Dr. Abdul-Hamid to present two sureties, each earning a net monthly income of not less than GH¢5,000, with their financial status subject to justification. He is also mandated to report to the OSP every two weeks as investigations continue.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid is the lead accused in a high-profile corruption case involving ten individuals and corporate entities alleged to have orchestrated a wide-ranging scheme within the petroleum sector between 2022 and 2024.
Also granted bail under the same terms are two of his co-accused:
- Jacob Kwamena Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund
- Wendy Newman, an NPA staff member
All three have pleaded not guilty to charges including:
- Conspiracy to commit extortion
- Extortion by a public officer
- Use of public office for profit
- Money laundering
In addition, four other accused persons — Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquah were granted bail in the same amount of GH¢2 million each. However, they are required to provide three sureties, one of whom must secure the bond with landed property.
All accused persons are required to report to the OSP biweekly.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly operated an extortion and laundering scheme targeting Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs). Proceeds from the scheme were allegedly channelled into the purchase of luxury real estate, vehicles, and fuel stations.
The case, which has drawn significant public and media attention, has been adjourned to August 26, 2025, when substantive hearings are scheduled to commence.
