The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has seized assets valued at more than GH¢100 million and US$100,000 following allegations in a grand extortion and money-laundering scheme in the sector.
According to the OSP, the alleged scheme caused the State and the petroleum sector losses exceeding GH¢291 million and over US$330,000. Additional properties are currently under active tracing by investigators.
Former NPA CEO, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid is standing trial before the Criminal High Court in Accra on multiple counts of corruption and related offences. These charges include:
Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by a Public Officer, jointly with two NPA officials, for allegedly plotting to extort GH¢291,574,087.19 and US$332,407.47 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies between December 2022 and December 2024.
Two counts of Extortion by a Public Officer, involving the unlawful receipt of GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 from oil transporters and haulage firms under the guise of official duties.
Two counts of Using Public Office for Profit, for allegedly abusing his position for personal gain and enriching himself with GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000.
Money Laundering, for allegedly possessing GH¢15,343,251.29, suspected to be proceeds of crime disproportionate to his legitimate income.
The OSP said the seizure and freezing of the assets were based on documentary, banking, and transactional evidence linking the accused to the alleged offences, adding that ongoing investigations have uncovered additional properties believed to have been acquired through illicit means.
Meanwhile, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has described the ongoing criminal proceedings as “useless” and politically motivated in a viral video circulating on social media.
In response, the OSP has reaffirmed that the charges against Abdul-Hamid are serious and supported by extensive evidence of corruption and financial misconduct, emphasising its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the petroleum sector.
Source: citinewsroom.com