By Issah Olegor
Proceedings in the high-profile criminal trial involving former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, have been abruptly halted following a major legal challenge to the prosecutorial authority of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The case, which centers on allegations of extortion within the petroleum sector, was scheduled for a Case Management Conference at the High Court on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
However, proceedings took an unexpected turn after defence lawyers raised concerns about the legal basis of the prosecution.
Court Ruling Throws OSP Cases into Uncertainty
The disruption stems from an earlier ruling delivered by Justice Eugene John Nyante Nyadu of the High Court’s General Jurisdiction 10 Division.
In that decision, the court held that prosecutions initiated by the OSP were invalid due to lack of proper authorisation under Section 4(2) of the OSP Act.
The ruling directed the Attorney-General to take over all such prosecutions, effectively calling into question the legal standing of ongoing cases being handled by the anti-corruption office.
During Tuesday’s hearing, counsel for Dr. Abdul-Hamid, Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini, relied on this ruling to argue that the OSP no longer has the mandate to continue prosecuting the matter.
The defence maintained that, in light of the court’s earlier decision, continuing with the case under the OSP would be legally flawed.
They urged the court to take cognisance of the ruling and suspend proceedings until the proper prosecutorial authority is established.
This argument, if upheld, could have far-reaching implications—not only for Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s case but for all ongoing prosecutions initiated by the OSP.
OSP Pushes Back, Files Stay Of Execution
However, lawyers representing the OSP, led by Principal Prosecutor Adelaide Kubiri Woode, opposed the defence’s position.
The prosecution informed the court that it had already filed an application for a stay of execution of Justice Nyadu’s ruling.
According to the OSP, until that application is determined, the office retains the right to proceed with its prosecutions.
Court Adjourns Case
Faced with the competing legal arguments, the presiding judge, Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga opted to adjourn proceedings to May 26, 2026, pending a decision on the application for stay of execution.
The adjournment effectively pauses the trial at a critical stage, delaying further progress in a case that has already experienced multiple procedural challenges since its inception in 2025.
A Case Marked By Legal Battles
Dr. Abdul-Hamid and five others are standing trial over allegations that between 2022 and 2024, officials within the petroleum regulatory system engaged in an extortion scheme targeting oil marketing companies and transporters.
Prosecutors accuse Dr Abdul-Hamid and two officials of the National Petroleum Authority of orchestrating an extortion scheme grabbing over GH¢291 million and $323,407.47 from oil marketing companies and bulk oil transporters between 2022 and December 2024.
The co-accused include Jacob Kwamina Amuah, a coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, and Wendy Newman, a staff member of the NPA.
Three other people been charged for their alleged roles in concealing proceeds of the suspected scheme. They are Isaac Mensa, a director of Kel Logistics Limited; Bright Bediako-Mensah, a director of Kel Logistics and Kings Energy Limited; and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, a director of Kings Energy
The accused persons have consistently denied all charges, with their lawyers describing the case as unfounded.
The trial has been characterized by amended charge sheets, bail variations, asset seizure disputes, and now a fundamental challenge to prosecutorial authority.
