OSP seizes GH¢100m assets in alleged NPA corruption case

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has seized assets worth over GH¢100 million and US$100,000 in a major petroleum sector corruption probe.

Former National Petroleum Authority Chief Executive, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, is facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit extortion, money laundering, and abuse of office for profit.

Prosecutors say the alleged scheme caused state losses of more than GH¢291 million and US$330,000.

According to court documents, Abdul-Hamid and two NPA officials are accused of plotting to extort huge sums from oil transporters and marketing firms between 2022 and 2024.

Investigators claim part of the proceeds was laundered through bank transactions and property acquisitions traced to the accused.

The OSP said the seized assets were backed by banking and documentary evidence linking the former NPA boss to the offences.

It confirmed that additional properties suspected to have been bought with illicit funds are being traced.

In court, Abdul-Hamid also faces two counts of extortion involving GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 allegedly taken from oil firms under false pretences of official operations.

He is further accused of using his position to enrich himself unlawfully.

Sources within the OSP say the case forms part of a broader crackdown on financial crimes within the petroleum sector aimed at recovering lost public funds.

Abdul-Hamid, however, has dismissed the charges as baseless and politically driven. In a video circulating online, he described the case as “useless” and part of a smear campaign.

Responding to his comments, the OSP insisted that the prosecution is backed by solid evidence and urged the public to have confidence in the judicial process.

“This case demonstrates our resolve to ensure accountability and integrity in public office,” an OSP spokesperson said.

The matter is before the Criminal High Court in Accra, where hearings are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

The development follows a brief media encounter with the Mr. Abdul-Hamid during which he described the allegations made against him as “useless”