Accra, Ghana – In a significant development in Ghana’s ongoing fight against corruption, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), was granted bail on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after meeting a GHS2 million (approximately $160,000 USD) condition.
The decision comes as part of a high-profile trial overseen by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which alleges that Abdul-Hamid and six others were involved in a staggering GH¢280 million extortion and money laundering scheme.
Former NPA CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid Granted GHS2 Million Bail in GH¢280 Million Corruption Trial
Mustapha Hamid Granted GH¢2m Bail In NPA Corruption Scandal
| More here: https://t.co/s3TYNYNEB1¢2m-bail-in-npa-corruption-scandal/ #ChannelOneNews
— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) July 23, 2025
The announcement was made by JoyNews, with the OSP confirming that while Abdul-Hamid secured his release, the remaining six suspects continue to be held in custody. The trial marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s efforts to address corruption within its public institutions.Abdul-Hamid, a well-educated figure with a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Cape Coast and a background as a lecturer and politician, brings an unexpected profile to the scandal.
Born in 1971 in Tamale, he rose to prominence as the head of the NPA, a key regulatory body in Ghana’s petroleum sector. His early career included notable achievements in debate and a deep academic interest in Islamic Mysticism and Political Thought in Islam, making his alleged involvement in financial misconduct a surprising twist. The OSP’s investigation, which began with the arrest of the accused on July 17, 2025, underscores the agency’s commitment to prosecuting corruption without fear or favor, as stated in their recent press release.
The scale of the alleged corruption, involving GH¢280 million, highlights the pervasive challenge of illicit financial flows in Ghana’s public sector. According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (2023), corruption in public procurement can cost developing nations up to 25% of their GDP annually, a statistic that resonates deeply with this case. The NPA scandal is believed to have involved mismanagement and extortion within the petroleum industry, a critical economic pillar for Ghana. As the trial progresses, it is expected to shed light on the mechanisms of corruption and the complicity of both individuals and companies, with three additional corporate entities also facing charges.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future anti-corruption efforts in Ghana. Established in 2018 under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act (Act 959), the OSP aims not only to prosecute but also to recover illicit wealth and prevent future misconduct. With public attention focused on the case, there is growing pressure on Ghanaian institutions to remain vigilant and transparent. For now, Abdul-Hamid’s release on bail allows him to prepare his defense, while the nation watches closely to see if justice will be served in this landmark corruption case.
