Ghana Charges Ex-Petroleum Chief, Six Others in $28 Million Corruption Scandal

Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor has filed criminal charges against Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former head of the National Petroleum Authority, and six others, in connection with a sprawling $28 million corruption and money laundering scheme.

The indictment marks a major development in President John Mahama’s aggressive anti-corruption drive, which began in early 2025. The campaign aims to root out graft and recover public funds misappropriated under previous administrations.

According to the Special Prosecutor’s office, a total of 25 charges—including extortion by a public officer and money laundering—have been levelled against Abdul-Hamid, along with other individuals and three companies. The alleged offences reportedly occurred between 2022 and December 2024.

Describing the case as “a sprawling corruption scheme… initiated by Abdul-Hamid,” the agency accused the former NPA boss of directly receiving $2.3 million and benefiting from a broader $28 million extortion racket.

In a telephone interview with AFP, Abdul-Hamid denied the allegations. “I have never taken a bribe or been part of any illicit scheme during my time at the NPA,” he said. “I am willing to cooperate with the state to clear my name in court.”

The Special Prosecutor further named Jacob Kwamina Amuah, a former coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, and Wendy Newman, an NPA staff member, as key figures in the conspiracy. Both are accused of unlawfully collecting money from oil marketing firms and transporters, then funnelling the proceeds through shell companies.

Three companies—Propnest Ltd., Kel Logistics Ltd., and Kings Energy Ltd.—allegedly served as fronts to launder the illicit funds. The money was used to construct houses, buy trucks for oil distribution, and build fuel stations. One director of Kel Logistics Ltd. is currently on the run.

President Mahama, who returned to power in January 2025, has vowed to restore credibility to public institutions and recover looted funds. But political observers remain cautious.

“Mahama’s credibility depends on how even-handed these prosecutions are. Ghanaians are watching whether this is genuine reform or a political purge in disguise,” said Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, a political analyst at the University of Ghana.

Since the anti-corruption campaign was launched, authorities have arrested or charged several individuals, with many others still under investigation.