Mustapha Hamid meets GH¢2m bail condition, six others still in custody

Former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has met his bail conditions in the high-profile corruption case currently before the Accra High Court. He remains the only accused person to have secured release as of Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

The court, earlier today, granted bail to all seven accused persons standing trial for allegedly conspiring to extort over GH¢280 million from oil marketing companies and bulk distribution firms between December 2022 and December 2024.

Each of the accused was granted GH¢2 million bail with stringent conditions. For Dr. Abdul-Hamid, the court required two sureties and ordered him to report to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) every two weeks. He is the only one who has fully complied with the terms so far.

The six other accused persons, including NPA official Wendy Newman, Jacob Kwamena Amuah of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF), and directors of Kings Energy, Kel Logistics, and Propnest Company Limited, failed to meet their bail terms and were returned to custody. Another director of Kel Logistics, who is also facing charges, is currently on the run.

The accused are facing charges including extortion, abuse of office for profit, corruption, and money laundering. Prosecutors say they misused their positions and coordinated an unlawful scheme to siphon funds, which were allegedly laundered through the acquisition of fuel stations, luxury vehicles, and real estate properties.

All seven have pleaded not guilty.

The case “Republic v. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and Others” is being prosecuted by the OSP under the leadership of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. The trial judge, Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, has adjourned proceedings to August 26, 2025, for the start of substantive hearings.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid, a former Minister for Information and Islamic scholar, maintains his innocence. His legal team insists he will fully cooperate with the court to clear his name.