I’m Ready To Cooperate Fully With OSP Probe – Dr. Abdul-Hamid

Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has said he remains  committed  to the values of transparency and accountability following reports of an ongoing investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into alleged financial irregularities within the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF).

Dr. Abdul-Hamid, in a statement released via his official Facebook page, disclosed that though, he has not been officially contacted by any State investigative body regarding the alleged embezzlement of GH¢1.3 billion from the UPPF, he would fully cooperate with Authorities and willingness to assist in any inquiries to ensure clarity and due process in the matter.

“My attention has been drawn to an announcement by the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, that I am under investigations for some alleged embezzlement of funds at the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) during my tenure as the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority.

As at this afternoon, I have neither received any invitation by any State investigative body nor have I been under investigation for any such alleged crime.

However, I am willing to avail myself to assist in any investigations of the alleged embezzlement of funds,” Dr. Abdul-Hamid stated.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid served as CEO of the NPA with diligence, overseeing significant reforms aimed at ensuring the stability of Ghana’s petroleum pricing system. Under his leadership, the UPPF was managed with strict oversight to maintain fairness and sustainability in fuel pricing across the country.

It is essential to note that the investigation is still ongoing, and no wrongdoing has been found against Dr. Abdul-Hamid. As a committed public servant, he believes in good governance and has always supported transparency in public office.

The former NPA CEO asks the public not to rush to conclusions and to let the legal process work properly. He is confident that the truth will come out and assures everyone that he is ready to explain any issues related to his time in office.

Background

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched an investigation into suspected financial irregularities at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF). The probe includes an alleged embezzlement of GH₵1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) and payroll fraud.

At a press conference in Accra on February 12, 2025, Special Prosecutor KissiAgyebeng revealed that the investigation involves several NPA officials. These include UPPF Coordinator Jacob Amoah and staff members Wendy Ashong Newman and Freda Tandoh. The former NPA Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has also been named in the probe.

The UPPF was established to stabilize fuel prices in Ghana, but the OSP is examining possible financial mismanagement within the fund. Agyebeng stated that the inquiry aims to uncover the extent of financial losses and ensure accountability.

Beyond the NPA, the investigation extends to MIIF, focusing on payments linked to Agyapa Royalties Limited, the Small-Scale Mining Incubation Programme, the Quarry Value Addition Programme, and other major projects. The OSP is also reviewing MIIF’s operational expenses, land acquisitions, and international contracts.

In a related development, the OSP has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta wanted. Mr. Ofori-Atta, who is currently outside the country, has been identified as a suspect in corruption-related investigations, including the National Cathedral project. The OSP is actively pursuing further action regarding his involvement.

In addition, Agyebeng noted that a separate payroll fraud investigation, conducted in late 2023, has resulted in the prosecution of six individuals accused of manipulating government salary systems. The accused face charges of corruption and falsifying payroll records. They are expected to appear before the High Court in Tamale soon.

While the investigation is ongoing, Agyebeng assured the public that due process will be followed, and those found culpable will be held accountable.