High Court Clears Way for Trial in Mustapha Abdul-Hamid NPA Case

The High Court has dismissed an application by accused persons in the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)–Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) corruption case seeking to have the charges against them struck out.

The ruling means the substantive trial can proceed, according to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which announced the decision on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The accused had asked the Court to terminate the charges, but the application was dismissed as without merit.

The case involves former NPA Chief Executive Officer Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former UPPF Coordinator Jacob Kwamina Amuah, NPA staff member Wendy Newman, Bright Bediako-Mensah, Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, and three companies — Propnest Limited, Kel Logistics Limited and Kings Energy Limited.

The Republic has filed 54 charges against the accused, including corruption and corruption-related offences, extortion, money laundering and conspiracy to commit a crime.

GH¢291.57 billion and US$332,407 allegedly obtained

The prosecution alleges that approximately GH¢291.57 million and US$332,407 were unlawfully obtained between 2022 and December 2024 through an alleged scheme involving officials of the NPA.

It further alleges that parts of the money were channelled through companies linked to some of the accused persons.

According to the OSP, the funds were allegedly used in transactions involving various assets and commercial interests, including land, buildings, trucks and fuel stations.

Substantive trial to continue

With the application dismissed, the prosecution will proceed with its case at the substantive trial, where the allegations will be tested through evidence.

The Court’s decision to allow the case to proceed does not amount to a finding of guilt against any of the accused persons. They remain presumed innocent unless and until the Court determines otherwise.