The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed significant developments in its ongoing criminal prosecution of Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), along with nine other accused individuals. The revelations were made in the OSP’s 2025 Half-Yearly Report, signed by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.
This high-profile case, titled The Republic v. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & Nine Others (CR/0603/2025), is currently before the Criminal High Court in Accra. The OSP has confirmed that it is holding and managing a wide range of high-value assets that have been seized as part of its investigations into alleged financial improprieties.
Seized Assets and Their Details
The assets under the management of the OSP include properties, cash, vehicles, and other high-value items linked to the accused individuals. These assets, which are considered exhibits in the ongoing trial, highlight the scale and scope of the alleged misconduct.
1. Fuel Stations and Cash Seizures
The OSP has seized four fuel stations located in Opeikuma, Dansoman, Abeka Lapaz, and Millennium City in Accra. Additionally, a cash amount of GH¢951,995.56 has been confiscated.
2. Parcels of Land
Several parcels of land across the country have also been taken over by the OSP. These include:
- Property in Tamale valued at GH¢9.93 million
- Land at Haatso worth GH¢2.737 million
- Land at Danyame in Kumasi valued at GH¢4.766 million
- Land at Adenta, which is yet to be valued
3. Residential Properties
Multiple residential properties in prime locations of Accra are under OSP management. These include:
- A two-storey building at East Legon valued at GH¢12.7 million
- Apartments in Airport Residential Area, Boundary Road, Roman Ridge, and Adjiringanor, each valued in the millions of cedis
- A six-unit residential block at Agbogba valued at GH¢10 million
4. Uncompleted Developments
Unfinished apartment projects at Airport City and Roman Ridge have also been seized.
5. Luxury Vehicles
In a separate investigation linked to the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), luxury vehicles worth approximately GH¢18.6 million have been confiscated. These include:
- Rolls-Royce Mansory Phantom
- Mercedes-Benz Maybach S680
- Mercedes-Benz Brabus 800
- Toyota Land Cruiser LC300
- Lexus LX600
- Two Fiat bullion vans
6. Fuel Tanker Trucks
A total of 23 fuel tanker trucks are also under the control of the OSP.
Allegations Against the Accused
The case revolves around allegations that Dr. Abdul-Hamid, along with other former and current NPA officials and three private companies, conspired to extort more than GH¢291 million from stakeholders in the petroleum sector. Prosecutors allege that between December 2022 and December 2024, the accused individuals unlawfully obtained GH¢291,574,087.19 and US$332,407.47 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies without legal authority.
The accused individuals standing trial include:
- Jacob Kwamina Amuah, former Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund
- Wendy Newman, an NPA audit officer
- Albert Ankrah
- Isaac Mensah
- Bright Bediako-Mensah
- Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah
Additionally, three private companies—Propnest Limited, KEL Logistics Limited, and Kings Energy Limited—are named as co-defendants in the case.
The Role of the OSP
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has played a pivotal role in tracing and seizing assets connected to this case as part of its broader mandate to combat corruption and economic crimes in Ghana. The confiscation of these high-value items underscores the OSP’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for financial misconduct and ensuring that illicitly obtained assets are recovered for the state.
The case remains ongoing at the Criminal High Court in Accra as investigations continue. The OSP has reiterated its dedication to pursuing justice and ensuring that those involved in corrupt practices face the full force of the law.
Conclusion
The seizure of these substantial assets highlights the seriousness of the allegations against Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and his co-defendants. As the trial progresses, all eyes will remain on the Criminal High Court to determine the outcome of this significant case. The actions taken by the OSP serve as a reminder of Ghana’s commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding public resources for the benefit of all citizens.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
