Hot SourceFormer Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has strongly denied allegations levelled against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over an alleged GHS280 million extortion scheme. His legal team has issued a statement debunking claims that he has been officially charged or personally benefited from any alleged wrongdoing.
The denial follows a front-page report in a newspaper and a corresponding press release by the OSP, stating that Hamid and nine others have been charged with offences including extortion and money laundering. However, according to a press statement issued by his lawyers on 17 July 2025, Hamid has not been formally charged before any competent court and no charge sheet has been served on him.
“Our client denies all the allegations against him contained in the said publication and press release,” the statement read, adding that he is ready to contest any such charges in court to defend his integrity.
The legal team highlighted inconsistencies in the evolving allegations. They recalled that in February 2025, the OSP alleged that Hamid had embezzled GHS1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF). That claim was followed by investigations into supposed procurement breaches and mismanagement. Now, the allegations have shifted to extortion of GHS280 million from unnamed oil companies.
“This constant shifting of allegations and figures raises serious questions about the credibility and consistency of the accusations,” the lawyers noted.
According to the OSP, Hamid was said to have initiated a scheme through which GHS280 million was extorted, with GHS24 million allegedly traced directly to him. But the former NPA boss has denied ever being involved in or benefiting from any such scheme.
The statement also pointed to Hamid’s track record at the NPA, citing audited records as proof of strong financial growth under his leadership. When he assumed office in 2021, key NPA accounts such as the UPPF and Operational Account reportedly had relatively modest balances. By the end of 2024, those accounts had grown exponentially. For example, the UPPF account reportedly grew from GHS53 million to over GHS1.1 billion, and the Operational Account from GHS53 million to GHS237 million.
“These figures, backed by official audited records, speak to our client’s competence and transparency in office,” the lawyers stated.
They further stressed that Hamid served the nation with “utmost integrity” throughout his nearly four-year tenure, and referenced widespread industry commendation for his leadership. His legal team insists he is ready to fully cooperate with the law and has unwavering confidence that he will be vindicated.
The statement, signed by Hanifa Yahaya, Esq., concludes with a firm assurance that Dr. Hamid remains committed to clearing his name through the proper legal channels.
The post Mustapha Hamid denies OSP allegations, insists on integrity and transparency appeared first on The Herald ghana.
