Two more individuals linked to the high-profile extortion and money-laundering charges against former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) CEO, Dr Mustapha Abdul‑Hamid and six others, have been granted bail.

According to Myjoyonline sources, Wendy Newman and Isaac Mensah successfully met their bail conditions on Thursday, July 24, leaving four others in custody.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) filed charges involving an alleged scam totalling GH₵280.5 million.

At the last hearing on 23 July, Dr Hamid, along with co-accused Jacob Kwamina Amuah and Newman, were each granted GH₵2 million bail, with two sureties and are to report every two weeks to the OSP; however, the others were remanded.

• Read also: OSP charges ex-NPA boss and others in GH¢280m extortion and money laundering scandal

New Developments

In a statement issued today, the OSP confirmed that both Newman and Isaac Mensah have since fulfilled the bail conditions and have been released on identical terms.

Background

The OSP alleges that between 2022 and 2024, Dr Hamid, Amuah (Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund), and Newman conspired to extort over GH₵280 million from petroleum transporters and oil-marketing companies.

Alleged funds were either handed directly or routed through shell companies, Propnest, Kel Logistics, and Kings Energy, to conceal the illicit proceeds.

Dr Hamid, who has previously denied all wrongdoing, faces 25 counts including extortion, conspiracy to launder money, and misuse of public office. His lawyers argue financials show the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund grew significantly under his leadership, countering the accusations.

The matter has been adjourned until August 26, when all accused will return to the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra.

• Read also: Mustapha Hamid meets GHs2m bail condition, 6 others remain in custody