Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, a respected academic, Islamic scholar, politician, and former CEO of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has long been celebrated for his work in governance reform, religious tolerance, and petroleum sector modernization.
But in a dramatic turn, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) announced this week that he, along with six individuals and three companies, has been charged before the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra.
The charges include multiple counts of extortion and money laundering arising from an alleged GH₵280 million corruption scheme within the NPA — a case that now threatens to overshadow a legacy of public service built over decades.
Full Biography Profile: Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid
Early Life and Education
Born on 14 June 1971 in Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid was raised in a household grounded in discipline and learning — his father a former soldier, and his mother a schoolteacher. He began his education at Station Experimental Primary School (1976–1982), continued at Bawku Secondary School (O-Level), and then Tamale Secondary School for A-Levels, completing in 1989.
Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s academic journey led him to the University of Cape Coast (UCC) where he pursued a BA in English, Classics, and Religious Studies with a Diploma in Education. He later earned an MPhil and PhD in Religious Studies, completing his doctoral work in 2017. His research specialized in Islamic mysticism, political thought, and Christian-Muslim relations.
Academic and Intellectual Contributions
Throughout his career, Dr. Abdul-Hamid has been deeply committed to the intersection of faith, scholarship, and politics. He has taught at the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Religion and Human Values and published academic papers on sensitive issues such as blasphemy, religious pluralism, and democracy in Islamic contexts. His scholarly voice has often emphasized the compatibility of Islamic values with democratic governance.
In 2024, he personally funded the renovation of the Department of History and Diplomacy at UCC, donating over GH₵80,000 — a gesture hailed as a symbol of his commitment to education and institutional legacy.
Media and Political Career
Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s professional roots include media and journalism, with roles at Choice FM, High Street Journal, and The Statesman newspaper. His transition into politics came during his university years where he served as National President of the Ghana Muslim Students Association and became active in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He rose through the party ranks to become National Youth Organiser (2003–2005) and served as a trusted spokesperson for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his presidential campaigns. In 2017, following the NPP’s election victory, Dr. Abdul-Hamid was appointed Minister for Information, later serving as Minister for Inner-City and Zongo Development.
NPA CEO and Leadership Achievements
In July 2021, President Akufo-Addo appointed Dr. Abdul-Hamid as Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). His tenure was marked by bold regulatory reforms, including:
Streamlining downstream petroleum operations
Enhancing local content and procurement laws
Increasing revenue transparency in fuel price stabilization
He was elected President of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) in 2023 and received the Africa Energy Leadership Commendation Award at the International Forum on African Leadership (IFAL) in 2024.
Current Legal Challenges: OSP Charges in 2025
On 17 July 2025, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor released a press statement charging Dr. Abdul-Hamid and six others — along with Propnest Ltd., Kel Logistics Ltd., and Kings Energy Ltd. — with 25 counts of extortion, conspiracy, and money laundering. According to the OSP, the accused orchestrated a scheme between 2022 and 2024 in which over GH₵280 million was allegedly extorted from oil marketing companies and laundered through complex financial channels.
The OSP alleges that Dr. Abdul-Hamid personally received GH₵24 million, while the remainder was disbursed through corporate and individual conduits. A High Court hearing is set for 23 July 2025.
His Response
Through legal counsel, Dr. Abdul-Hamid has denied all allegations, stating that he has not been formally served with any charge sheet and has not been invited for questioning. He dismissed the charges as “a shifting narrative,” noting that earlier claims by the OSP in February 2025 cited a GH₵1.3 billion shortfall — significantly higher than the GH₵280 million currently at issue.
He has provided documentation showing a growth in state petroleum accounts during his tenure, arguing that his administration actually recovered and grew the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) from GH₵53.2 million (2021) to over GH₵1.14 billion (2024).
