OSP Investigates Mustapha Hamid, Three Others Over Alleged GH¢1.3bn embezzlement at NPA

Accra, Ghana - 12 Feb, 2025 - An investigation has been launched into the alleged embezzlement of GH¢1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) at Ghana's National Petroleum Authority (NPA) by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng announced on Wednesday that his office is probing suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses.

The investigation is focusing on four individuals, including former NPA Chief Executive Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, who served from 2021 to early 2024. The other three individuals are Jacob Amoah, Coordinator of the UPPF, and NPA staff members Wendy Ashong Newman and Freda Tandoh.

The UPPF is a fund designed to stabilize petroleum prices in Ghana. However, the OSP suspects that funds were misappropriated from the UPPF, leading to the alleged embezzlement of GH¢1.3 billion.

Special Prosecutor Agyebeng stated at a press briefing on Wednesday February 12, that the investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the alleged misappropriation of funds and bring those responsible to justice.

“The OSP has commenced investigations into suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses in respect of an alleged embezzlement of GH¢1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

“The investigation primarily targets the following persons: the coordinator of the UPPF, Jacob Amoah, NPA’s staff Wendy Ashong Newman, NPA’s staff Freda Tandoh, and a former Chief Executive of the NPA, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid,'' he stated.

The probe is expected to shed light on potential corruption within the NPA and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.

Source: Lead News Online