By Daniel Bampoe
The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court has officially commenced trial proceedings in a high-profile case involving former Minister of Information, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and nine other accused persons, who are facing a raft of criminal charges including conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion, and money laundering.
At today’s first hearing, all ten accused individuals appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them by state prosecutors.
This initial arraignment is seen as the beginning of what is expected to be a closely-watched and potentially politically sensitive trial, given the profile of the lead accused.
Background of the Case
The case stems from an investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into an alleged extortion ring involving high-ranking officials and private individuals.
Preliminary findings revealed coordinated efforts by the accused persons to extract large sums of money from private businesses under the guise of regulatory enforcement, which prosecutors contend constitutes criminal extortion and money laundering.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid, who once served as Minister for Zongo and Inner City Development and later as CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
His co-accused include civil servants and private associates alleged to have played various roles in the extortion scheme.
Among them are Jacob Kwamina Amuah, Wendy Newman, Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah, among others.
Bail Applications and Conditions
During today’s hearing, lawyers for the accused requested bail, arguing that their clients posed no flight risk and were prepared to comply with court directives.
The prosecution did not oppose the bail applications but emphasized the need for strict bail terms to prevent any potential attempts to flee the jurisdiction.
The presiding judge granted bail to all ten accused persons under strict conditions, which include:
For Dr. Abdul-Hamid, Jacob Kwamina Amuah, and Wendy Newman:
Each granted bail in the sum of GHS 2 million
Two justifiable sureties
At least one surety must be a public officer
Must provide landed property in Accra as collateral.
Required to report to the Office of the Special Prosecutor every two weeks
Passports must be deposited at the Court Registry
For Albert Ankrah, Isaac Mensah, Bright Bediako-Mensah, and Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah:
Bail set at GHS 2 million each
Two justifiable sureties, with one being a public officer
Must also present landed property in Accra
Required to report bi-weekly to the OSP
One surety must submit a valid national ID to the Court Registry
The conditions are aimed at ensuring the accused remain within the jurisdiction and are available for trial.
Next Court Date
The court adjourned the case to August 26, 2025, for the continuation of proceedings.
The adjournment will allow both prosecution and defence teams to prepare for pre-trial disclosures, witness preparation, and filing of any additional legal motions.
