A high-profile corruption case has rocked Ghana’s energy sector as former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and nine others stand trial over allegations of an elaborate extortion and money laundering scheme that siphoned over GHS280 million from the industry.
The accused—seven individuals and three corporate entities—are facing a litany of serious charges including conspiracy to commit crime, extortion, money laundering, and abuse of public office for personal profit. The case, presided over by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh at an Accra High Court, signals one of the most extensive anti-corruption prosecutions in Ghana’s energy sector in recent years.
Web of Power and Profit
According to lead prosecutor, Mr Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, the elaborate scheme began shortly after Dr Abdul-Hamid assumed office as CEO of the NPA on July 1, 2021. His alleged co-conspirator, Mr Jacob Kwamina Amuah—an NPA veteran since 2008 and Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund—played a central role in designing and executing the scheme.
Mr Amuah is also the Managing Director of the three implicated companies—Propnest Limited, Kel Logistics, and Kings Energy Limited—which, the prosecution contends, were used as conduits to receive and launder illicit funds. NPA employee Wendy Newman, also cited as a key figure, allegedly executed financial transfers under the direction of Mr Amuah.
From 2022 through 2024, the three top accused allegedly exploited their official positions, extorting over GHS280 million from oil marketing firms and bulk distributors. Investigations suggest that the plan was initiated by Mr Amuah, who then recruited Ms Newman as a primary channel for the disbursement of illegal funds.
Of the total amount, Mr Amuah allegedly handed GHS24 million directly to Dr Abdul-Hamid between January and December 2024, while Ms Newman is said to have facilitated the transfer of GHS227.2 million on his instruction.
Corporate Fronts and Laundering Tactics
Four others—Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kweku Aboagye Acquah—are said to have acted as directors of the implicated companies and allegedly worked with Mr Amuah and Ms Newman to channel the stolen money into personal and commercial assets. The funds were reportedly used to purchase houses, build fuel stations, and acquire trucks for oil distribution—transforming public revenue into private wealth.
A fifth suspect, Mr Osei Tutu Adjei, believed to be instrumental in the laundering process, remains at large.
Court Proceedings and Bail Terms
Seven of the accused, including Dr Abdul-Hamid, have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court granted each person bail of GHS2 million, with two sureties who must be public servants earning no less than GHS5,000 a month. The accused must also provide landed property as collateral and report to the police every two weeks.
In addition, Dr Abdul-Hamid, Mr Amuah, and Ms Newman have been ordered to surrender their passports to the court registry.
Defence counsel for Dr Abdul-Hamid, Mr Paul Asibi Abariga, requested more lenient bail terms, citing his client’s cooperation and existing inquiry bail, but the court maintained the conditions.
The case has been adjourned to August 26, 2025, as the Office of the Special Prosecutor deepens investigations into what could become a defining case in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.
A Sector in Crisis
The unfolding scandal has sent shockwaves through the petroleum regulatory framework, raising fresh concerns about oversight in public institutions and the vulnerability of state revenues to high-level collusion. Stakeholders are watching closely as the trial progresses, with calls growing for systemic reforms within the NPA and other oversight bodies.
As the case unfolds, it promises to test Ghana’s resolve in combating elite corruption—and could reshape public trust in the country’s energy governance.
