The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed criminal charges against former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) CEO, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and nine others over their alleged involvement in a GHC280 million extortion and money laundering scheme.
According to the OSP, the charges stem from a probe into unlawful activities involving top NPA officials and private petroleum sector actors between 2022 and 2024. The accused allegedly siphoned petroleum-related funds using front companies and complex transactions to conceal the origin of the money.
Among those charged are seven individuals and three companies: Propnest Ltd., Kel Logistics Ltd., and Kings Energy Ltd. The accused face 25 counts, including extortion by a public officer, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and breaches of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid, along with Jacob Kwamina Amuah—UPPF Coordinator and Managing Director of several implicated firms—and NPA staffer Wendy Newman, are accused of leveraging their positions to demand payments from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies.
Investigators allege that Amuah handed over GHC24 million in cash directly to Abdul-Hamid in 2024, while a further GHC227.2 million was routed through Newman under his direction. The laundered funds were allegedly used to purchase fuel stations, delivery trucks, and other assets.
Also charged are:
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Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, all directors of Kel Logistics and Kings Energy
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The three companies: Propnest Ltd., Kel Logistics Ltd., and Kings Energy Ltd.
One suspect, Osei Tutu Adjei, remains at large and is currently being sought by authorities.
The accused are expected to appear before the Accra High Court (Criminal Division) at a date yet to be announced.
The OSP has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption and urged the public to report misconduct in public service institutions.
