A significant development unfolded at Criminal Court Three of the Accra High Court as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) dropped all charges against two individuals linked to the ongoing alleged extortion case involving former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.
Albert Ankrah, a director at KEL Logistics, and Isaac Mensah of King’s Energy Limited—formerly the fourth and fifth accused—have now been turned into prosecution witnesses after agreeing to testify for the state.
The prosecution said the two, through their lawyers, voluntarily approached the OSP, expressing their readiness to cooperate with investigators and provide evidence in court. Their decision prompted the withdrawal of charges against them.
Presiding Judge Justice Francis Apangar Achibonga acknowledged the prosecution’s request. The court is expected to determine how the testimony of the new witnesses will influence the ongoing trial.
Meanwhile, the main accused, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, remains before the court, facing the charges. He appeared calm during proceedings and has denied all allegations against him.
The two former accused were seen leaving the courtroom visibly relieved, marking a dramatic turn in the case, according to JoyNews’ Fatawu Bayaga.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid is standing trial alongside nine co-accused, including senior officials and associated companies. They face 54 criminal counts, including extortion, abuse of public office, and money laundering.
Criminal charges allege that between December 2022 and December 2024, the accused illegally obtained GH¢291,574,087.19 and US$332,407.47 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies, despite having no lawful authority.
Those charged include Jacob Kwamina Amuah, former Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF); Wendy Newman, an NPA audit staffer; Albert Ankrah; Isaac Mensah; Bright Bediako-Mensah; and Kwaku Aboagye Acquah. The companies involved are Propnest Limited, KEL Logistics Limited, and King’s Energy Limited.