Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has sued the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for defamation, demanding GH¢20 million in damages.
The suit, filed at the High Court (General Jurisdiction Division) in Accra on November 10, 2025, stems from a statement made by the OSP during a media briefing on February 12, 2025.
In the briefing, the OSP announced the commencement of investigations into alleged corruption-related offences involving the purported embezzlement of GH¢1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF). Dr. Hamid was named as one of four individuals under investigation.
According to a Citinewsroom report, his lawyers at Applade Chambers, Dr. Hamid is seeking a declaration that the OSP’s statement was defamatory, GH¢20 million in damages, an unqualified apology and retraction of the statement, as well as a perpetual injunction restraining the OSP and its agents from making further defamatory remarks against him.
In his statement of claim, Dr. Hamid stated that he was never informed of any investigation prior to the public announcement and had no involvement in any embezzlement.
He described the OSP’s allegations as false, malicious, and unfounded, adding that subsequent developments have confirmed no such embezzlement took place.
The former NPA boss further contended that the OSP’s statement caused him significant embarrassment, emotional distress, and loss of professional opportunities, including consultancy and lecturing roles abroad.
He noted that his reputation as an academic, politician, and public figure has been severely damaged.
Dr. Hamid’s legal team wrote to the OSP on February 17, 2025, demanding a retraction.
In response, the OSP, in a letter dated February 19, 2025, directed him to appear for questioning regarding the alleged mismanagement of the UPPF.