A significant twist has emerged in the ongoing alleged extortion case at the Criminal Court Three of the Accra High Court, as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has withdrawn charges against two of the accused persons.
The fourth and fifth accused—Albert Ankrah of KEL Logistics and Isaac Mensah of King’s Energy Limited—have now been converted into prosecution witnesses after agreeing to cooperate with the state.
According to prosecutors, the two individuals, through their legal representatives, voluntarily approached the OSP and expressed their willingness to assist with investigations and testify in court. Their decision led to the discontinuation of charges against them.
The case, which has attracted considerable public attention, centres on an alleged extortion scheme involving officials linked to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
Presiding judge, Justice Francis Apangar Achibonga, acknowledged the prosecution’s request, with the court expected to assess the impact of the new witnesses’ testimony on the trial.
Meanwhile, the former Chief Executive of the NPA, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, remains a key defendant and continues to face multiple charges. He was present in court and appeared composed during proceedings, maintaining his innocence.
The two former accused persons were seen leaving the courtroom visibly relieved following the announcement, marking a dramatic turn in the trial.
Dr Abdul-Hamid is being tried alongside nine other accused persons, including former and current NPA officials as well as associated companies.
In total, they face 54 charges, including extortion, abuse of public office, and money laundering.
Prosecutors allege that between December 2022 and December 2024, the accused persons conspired to unlawfully collect over GH¢291.5 million and US$332,407 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies, despite lacking the legal authority to do so.
Other individuals charged in the case include Jacob Kwamina Amuah, former Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF); Wendy Newman, an NPA audit staff member; Bright Bediako-Mensah; and Kwaku Aboagye Acquah.
The companies cited in the case are Propnest Limited, KEL Logistics Limited, and King’s Energy Limited.
Source:
oyerepafmonline.com