Mustapha Hamid, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has pushed back strongly against allegations linking him to a GH₵280 million extortion and money laundering scheme.
His legal team, in a detailed statement on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, a few hours after the OSP had cited him in the corruption scandal, dismissed the charges as baseless and politically damaging.
Responding to a press release from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and widespread media reports, Hamid’s lawyers said their client has not been formally charged and has not seen any charge sheet related to the matter.
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They argue that the OSP’s shifting narrative, from alleged embezzlement of GH₵1.3 billion in February 2025 to procurement breaches and now to extortion, undermines the credibility of the case.
“The allegation has now changed from embezzlement, to mismanagement, to procurement breaches, and now to extortion of funds from unnamed victims,” the statement said.
The legal team also emphasised that Hamid is accused of personally receiving GH₵24 million out of the GH₵280 million supposedly extorted; an amount they vehemently deny he ever received.
The legal team added that Hamid is prepared to face any legal process and is confident he will be vindicated.
In defending his integrity, Hamid’s lawyers pointed to what they describe as his “unprecedented” performance at the NPA between 2021 and 2024. They cited significant financial growth across the authority’s four major accounts – UPPF, PDM, PPMS, and Operational.
“This is not the record of a man who mismanaged public funds. Dr. Hamid served with integrity and competence. Industry players across the petroleum sector have consistently commended his leadership,” the statement read.
The OSP has not issued a direct response to the claims made in the lawyer’s release. Investigations into the broader scheme involving other NPA officials and private companies are ongoing.