Mustapha Abdul-Hamid’s trial stalled as lawyers challenge OSP’s authority

The High Court in Accra has adjourned the trial of former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Mustapha Abdul-Hamid until May 26, 2026, following a legal challenge to the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) power to prosecute the case.

When the matter was called on April 21, defence counsel Akbar Khomeini objected to the prosecutor’s standing, citing a recent High Court ruling that declared the OSP’s prosecutorial authority void without prior authorisation.

In response, Principal Prosecutor Adelaide Kubiri Woode informed the court that the OSP had already filed an application for a stay of execution of that ruling, which was delivered by Justice John Eugene Nyadu Nyante last week.

Presiding Judge Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga adjourned proceedings to allow time for the determination of the stay application, effectively putting the trial on hold.

Abdul-Hamid and two other NPA officials – Jacob Kwamina Amuah, coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, and staff member Wendy Newman – face charges of orchestrating an alleged extortion scheme in the downstream petroleum sector.

Prosecutors say the accused unlawfully collected over GH¢291 million and $323,407.47 from oil marketing companies and bulk oil transporters between 2022 and December 2024.

Three private sector executives – Isaac Mensa, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah – have also been charged with concealing proceeds of the alleged scheme. All accused have pleaded not guilty and are on bail.