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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially launched an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of GH₵1.3 billion from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), raising fresh concerns over financial mismanagement in the petroleum sector.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng disclosed that his office is probing suspected corruption and related offences linked to the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF). The UPPF is a key mechanism established to ensure uniform petroleum pricing across Ghana by subsidising transportation costs to remote locations.
Agyebeng revealed that four individuals have been identified as primary targets in the probe: Jacob Amoah, Coordinator of the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF); Wendy Ashong Newman, a staff member of the NPA; Freda Tandoh, also a staff member of the Authority; and the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NPA, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.
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“The OSP has commenced investigations into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of an alleged embezzlement of GH₵1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA),” Agyebeng stated. “The investigation primarily targets Jacob Amoah, Wendy Ashong Newman, Freda Tandoh, and former CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.”
Mustapha Abdul-Hamid served as CEO of the NPA from 2021 until early 2024. During his tenure, the Authority was responsible for regulating petroleum pricing, ensuring fuel quality standards, and managing the UPPF. The fund, intended to prevent price disparities in different regions, has now become the focal point of a major corruption investigation.
Industry experts and civil society organisations have lauded the OSP’s decision to investigate the alleged misappropriation of public funds, emphasising the need for accountability in Ghana’s energy sector.
The investigation is expected to uncover the extent of financial irregularities and determine whether legal action will be taken against the accused officials.
The OSP has assured the public that it will pursue the matter rigorously, urging all relevant stakeholders to cooperate fully with the investigations.
Meanwhile, calls for broader reforms in the petroleum sector are gaining momentum, with governance experts advocating for stricter oversight to prevent future financial misconduct.
As the investigation unfolds, Ghanaians remain eager to see whether the accused individuals will be held accountable and if necessary steps will be taken to recover any misappropriated funds. The outcome of the probe could set a significant precedent in the fight against corruption within Ghana’s public institutions.
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