The High Court hearing the criminal case involving former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive, Dr Mustapha Hamid, has declined a request by the defence to suspend proceedings until October.
The court instead adjourned the matter to August 18, 2026, for the continuation of the case management conference.
The defence had sought the adjournment after some members of Dr Hamid’s legal team informed the Chief Justice of prior commitments, including engagements outside the country.
Counsel for Dr Hamid, Joseph Kpemka, said the defence had expected the case to be moved to October while awaiting a decision from the Chief Justice on their petitions.
He said the legal team would follow up with the Office of the Chief Justice to determine the outcome of their request.
“We intend to follow up at the Office of the Honourable Chief Justice to find out exactly what the decision is. Whether or not our petition is receiving a positive outcome or a negative outcome. If it is rejected, we have other rights that we can exercise. Nothing is being ruled out,” he said.
Defence considers further options
Mr Kpemka explained that the petitions were prompted by scheduling difficulties involving members of the defence team.
With the court declining to grant the requested adjournment, the defence is now expected to determine its next steps while preparing for the continuation of proceedings on August 18.
The case forms part of investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into alleged corruption and corruption-related offences at the NPA.
Alleged GH¢291m extortion scheme
Prosecutors allege that between 2022 and December 2024, some officials of the NPA operated an extortion scheme targeting oil marketing companies and bulk oil transporters.
According to the OSP, the alleged scheme resulted in the unlawful acquisition of GH¢291,574,087.19 and US$332,407.47.
The prosecution alleges that Dr Hamid introduced the scheme to Jacob Kwamina Amuah, then Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF).
Investigators further allege that portions of the proceeds were subsequently moved through various companies and used to acquire assets including land, houses, oil distribution trucks and fuel stations, allegedly as part of efforts to conceal the source of the funds.
The allegations are yet to be determined by the court, and the accused persons are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
