The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed multiple charges against seven individuals and three companies over their alleged involvement in a wide-ranging corruption and money laundering scheme within the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), amounting to over GHC280 million.
Among those charged are the former Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and Jacob Kwamina Awuah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF). The list also includes NPA staff member Wendy Newman and directors of three companies implicated in the scheme: Propenst Ltd, Kel Logistics Ltd, and Kings Energy Ltd.
The OSP’s investigations found that between 2022 and December 2024, the accused persons used their positions within the NPA to unlawfully collect GHC280,516,127.19 from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies, without any lawful mandate.
According to the OSP, GHC24 million was paid directly to Abdul-Hamid in 2024, while GHC227.2 million was allegedly disbursed through Wendy Newman under the instructions of Awuah. The funds were then laundered through the three companies, which were used to build homes, acquire oil distribution trucks, and construct fuel stations.
The seven individuals and three companies face 25 criminal charges, including: Extortion by a Public Officer under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, Money Laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044)
The OSP also revealed that Osei Tutu Adjei, a director of one of the accused companies, is currently at large.
The remaining accused have been apprehended and are expected to appear before the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra. A court date will be announced for their pleas to be taken.
In a statement signed by Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of Strategy, Research & Communication, the OSP reaffirmed its dedication to tackling corruption without fear or favour and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases.
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