NPA Former Boss Denies GHc 24M Chop-Chop

Former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has spoken out strongly against allegations that he masterminded a GHc280 million extortion and money laundering scheme while in office under the Akufo Addo-led government.

In a swift detailed response through his lawyers, on Thursday, July, 17, 2025, Dr. Hamid insists the accusations are false, inconsistent, and politically damaging and he is ready to fight to clear his name.

Dr. Hamid’s legal team, led by Hanifa Yahaya, expressed disappointment over the public announcement by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), saying their client has not been officially charged or even seen a charge sheet.

“We wish to state that as at the time of issuing this press statement, our client has not been charged before any court of competent jurisdiction. We are yet to sight any charge sheet. However, we wish to make the following statements based on the press release:

 That, our client denies all the allegations against him contained in the said publication and press release.

 That, our client is ready to contest all the allegations in the court of law and defend his good name,” the statement read.

The team also questioned the shifting nature of the claims. They revealed that in February 2025, the OSP claimed Dr. Hamid was under investigation for allegedly embezzling GHS1.3 billion. Later, the narrative changed to procurement breaches, then mismanagement, and now extortion; with the figure drastically reduced to GHS280 million.

Earlier on Thursday July 17th 2025, the OSP announced through a press release, that seven individuals and three companies were facing 25 criminal charges, including extortion and money laundering.

The OSP claimed that between 2022 and December 2024, Dr. Hamid, together with Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) Coordinator Jacob Kwamina Amuah and NPA staff member Wendy Newman, unlawfully collected money from oil companies and transporters.

It is alleged that GHS280,516,127.19 million was siphoned, with GHS24 million handed directly to Dr. Hamid, while GHS227 million was funneled through Newman and others into companies like Propnest Limited, Kel Logistics, and Kings Energy.

Some of the money was allegedly used to acquire properties, construct fuel stations, and buy trucks all in an attempt to hide the source of the funds.

One of the accused, Osei Tutu Adjei, is still missing, while the rest are expected to appear before the High Court in Accra soon.

Dr. Hamid has firmly denied ever initiating or participating in any extortion scheme. They also argued that if Dr. Hamid was the alleged mastermind of a GHS280 million plot, how is it that he supposedly received only GHS24 million?

“We further note that the allegation has now changed from i) embezzlement from the UPPF, (ii) mismanagement of the UPPF, (iii) procurement breaches to the current one, which is extortion of funds from unnamed victims. And, the amount involved in the allegations against our client has also changed from GHS1.3 billion to GHS280 million.

That, our client who is alleged to have ‘initiated’ the alleged extortion scheme, directly received GHS24 million out of the GHS280 million he is purported to have masterminded,” the statement highlighted.

Beyond the legal arguments, Dr. Hamid is pointing to his strong track record at the NPA as proof of his integrity and leadership. When he took office in 2021, the NPA’s four main accounts, including the UPPF, were struggling. By the time he left in December 2024, those accounts had grown significantly. UPPF: from GHS53 million to over GHS1.1 billion, PDM: from a negative balance of GHS-18.4 million to GHS470 million, PPMS: from GHS20 million to GHS90 million and, Operational Account: from GHS53 million to GHS237 million

These numbers, according to Hamid’s team, are backed by official audited reports and prove that he was more focused on strengthening the institution than draining it.

Dr. Hamid is no stranger to public service or scrutiny. Known for his eloquence and academic achievements, he once led national conversations on integrity and moral leadership. Videos of him passionately singing praises at Trinity Theological Seminary’s graduation only added to his public image of a devout and honest man.

Supporters believe this case is a political attempt to smear his name, while critics argue that no public official should be above investigation.

The case is now in the hands of the High Court, where the accused are expected to answer to the 25 charges brought forward by the OSP. But Dr. Hamid is not waiting in silence. He’s fighting back with facts, figures, and a firm belief that the truth will win in the end.

“Our client has displayed high integrity and competence throughout his entire public life. And, our client is fully prepared to contest any charges levelled against him and he is confident that the truth of his innocence shall prevail,” His lawyers wrote.