The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Hamid, and nine other accused persons have pleaded not guilty to all 54 counts, including extortion, money laundering, and using public office for profit, among other charges.

The hearing, during which the accused persons entered their pleas, was presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.

It was indicated that only five of the 54 counts filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) are specifically against Hamid, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.

According to TheLawPlatform on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the case will now be prosecuted in Criminal Court 4. The legal news outlet further stated that the OSP has reportedly withdrawn the charge sheet from Criminal Court 3 of the Accra High Court.

The case, titled, The Republic v Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & 9 Ors (Cr/0603/2025), involves allegations of financial malfeasance totaling over GH¢291.5 million and US$332,407.47.

Mustapha Hamid, 9 others face 54 corruption charges as OSP returns to court

In a report released by the OSP on October 19, 2025, officials of the state agency are being prosecuted for alleged large-scale extortion, abuse of public office, and money laundering.

“CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF EXTORTION BY A PUBLIC OFFICER, contrary to sections 23(1) and 239(1) & (3) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) as amended by section 1 of the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 1034),” the charges read.

The accused persons are alleged to have extorted vast sums in both local and foreign currency from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies while operating under the guise of performing their official duties.

Following the alleged extortion, the proceeds were reportedly laundered through various means, including the acquisition of property and the establishment of business entities, all in an effort to conceal the illicit origins of the funds.

MAG/MA

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