280m Scandal: Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, others charged
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed criminal charges against the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and six other individuals in connection with what investigators describe as a sprawling corruption and money laundering operation that siphoned over GHC280 million from the petroleum sector.
Three private companies—Propnest Limited, Kel Logistics Limited, and Kings Energy Limited—have also been named in the case, which stems from an extensive probe by the OSP into activities at the NPA from 2022 to December 2024.
Sophisticated scheme within the petroleum sector
At the center of the alleged conspiracy is Jacob Kwamina Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) and managing director of the three implicated companies. According to the OSP, Amuah, acting on the directive and knowledge of Dr Abdul-Hamid and NPA staff member Wendy Newman, unlawfully collected funds from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies under the guise of official regulatory obligations.
The investigation alleges that these funds—meant for state-regulated purposes—were diverted for personal gain and laundered through a network of businesses and individuals closely connected to the NPA.
Funds allegedly diverted for personal use
Between January and December 2024, Amuah reportedly handed over GHC24 million directly to Dr Abdul-Hamid. An additional GHC227.2 million was funneled through Wendy Newman for further distribution, all without any lawful mandate or oversight.
The OSP states that these transactions were designed to appear legitimate while exploiting the regulatory powers of the NPA to extort payments from companies operating in the petroleum transportation and distribution value chain.
Laundering through real estate and fuel businesses
The probe also uncovered a money laundering network involving directors of the three accused companies. Investigators say the illicit funds were laundered through various assets, including the construction of residential properties, fuel stations, and the purchase of fuel distribution trucks, in an attempt to conceal the illicit origin of the proceeds.
One key figure, Osei Tutu Adjei, a director at Kel Logistics, has reportedly fled and is currently on the run. The OSP has issued an alert for his apprehension.
25 charges filed in high-stakes corruption case
A total of 25 charges have been brought against the accused persons and companies. These include:
- Extortion by a public officer
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
- Substantive counts of money laundering
The accused have been taken into custody and are expected to appear before the High Court in Accra, although the court date has not yet been confirmed.
Special prosecutor vows uncompromising action
In a public statement, the Special Prosecutor emphasized the office’s determination to vigorously pursue corruption-related cases to their full conclusion. The OSP reiterated that no individual, regardless of status or rank, will be shielded from accountability.
The office also called on the public and institutions to remain vigilant and report any suspected acts of corruption, underscoring the collective responsibility in fighting graft and restoring integrity to public service.
This case marks one of the most high-profile prosecutions yet under Ghana’s anti-corruption framework, and the outcome could set a significant precedent for public sector accountability.
