The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed charges against former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and six others before the High Court in Accra.
A total of 25 charges have been levelled against the accused persons, including extortion by a public officer, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering.
The charges stem from allegations of a large-scale extortion and money laundering scheme involving more than GH₵280 million.
The other individuals charged include:
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Jacob Kwamina Amuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF)
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Wendy Newman, staff member of the NPA
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Isaac Mensah, Director of Kel Logistics Limited
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Bright Bediako-Mensah, Director of Kel Logistics and Kings Energy Limited
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Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, Director of Kings Energy Limited
In addition to the individuals, the OSP has also charged three companies:
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Propnest Limited
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Kel Logistics Limited
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Kings Energy Limited
All three entities are accused of participating in the same scheme.
In a statement, the OSP explained that the scheme, which operated between 2022 and December 2024, involved the unlawful collection of funds from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies.
Mr. Abdul-Hamid, Amuah, and Newman allegedly orchestrated the extortion under the guise of their official duties, with Amuah handing GH₵24 million directly to Abdul-Hamid and channelling an additional GH₵227.2 million through Newman for further disbursement.
The investigation revealed that the illicit proceeds were laundered through three companies, with funds used to purchase properties, acquire trucks, and build fuel stations in an attempt to conceal their criminal origin.
One individual, Osei Tutu Adjei, a director of Kel Logistics Limited, remains at large. The apprehended accused persons are awaiting a court date to enter their pleas.
The OSP reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption, stating, “The OSP reaffirms its commitment to investigating and prosecuting corruption and corruption-related offences without fear or favour, and urges all public institutions to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of corruption.”
Source: Adomonline.com
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