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Accra High Court rejects bid to discharge former NPA CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine others in extortion and money laundering case
via GhanaWeb2 min read
An Accra High Court has dismissed an application to discharge former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, and nine others involved in an alleged GH¢280 million extortion and money laundering case. The Office of the Special Prosecutor announced on April 21, 2026, that the court rejected arguments from the defense counsel claiming the OSP lacked prosecutorial authority, citing a High Court ruling from April 15, 2026. The court acknowledged ongoing legal proceedings regarding the OSP's mandate and adjourned the case to May 26, 2026. The OSP maintains its powers are valid under existing laws. All 10 accused individuals and corporate entities have pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged scheme targeting Oil Marketing Companies and Bulk Oil Distribution Companies between 2022 and 2024. Dr. Abdul-Hamid is specifically accused of personally benefiting GH¢24 million from the alleged illicit enterprise.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Lands Commission has congratulated Lic. Surv. Stephen Djaba and Assoc. Prof. Naa Dedei Tagoe on their elections to leadership roles within the International Federation of Surveyors FIG. Lic. Surv. Djaba was elected Vice President of FIG, and Assoc. Prof. Tagoe was elected Chair of FIG Commission 8 on Spatial Planning and Development. Both were nominated by the Licensed Surveyors Association of Ghana LiSAG and their elections took place at the FIG General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, from May 24 to May 29, 2026. The Lands Commission views these achievements as significant milestones for Ghana's surveying profession, reflecting the growing influence of LiSAG and the quality of leadership and technical excellence in Ghana's surveying and geospatial sector. The Chairperson of the Lands Commission, Dr. Wordsworth Odame Larbi, and Executive Secretary, Prof. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, highlighted that these elections demonstrate the competence and international stature of Ghana's surveying profession. They expressed the Commission's commitment to strengthening collaboration with FIG, particularly on land administration, spatial planning, land governance, and sustainable development. Both newly elected leaders thanked the Lands Commission, LiSAG, and the Ghanaian surveying community, pledging to promote Ghana's interests within FIG and advance professional development and international collaboration for Ghana and Africa.
Ghanaian social media influencer and transgender activist Angel Maxine has publicly challenged comments made by Communications Minister Sam George regarding homosexuality. Sam George reportedly argued that homosexuality was once classified as a mental disorder and should continue to be regarded as such. Angel Maxine dismissed this assertion as misinformation, defending the rights of 'consenting adults' and stating that homosexuality is not recognized as a mental illness, disorder, or disease by leading medical and psychological institutions. This exchange follows Parliament's second passage of the "Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill," also known as the anti-LGBT+ Bill, which criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+, same-sex relationships, and the advocacy or funding of LGBTQ+ activities. The bill awaits further oversight and presidential assent.
Must ReadSouth Africa has formally abstained from adopting the draft African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values during the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Sovereignty and Values held in Accra. The South African delegation, led by politician and Member of Parliament Zandile Majozi, cited fundamental conflicts with South Africa’s Constitution and international legal principles. The primary point of contention is the charter’s definition of marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman, which contradicts South Africa's legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2006 and its constitutional prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation. The draft charter, which emerged from conferences between 2023 and 2025, aims to affirm traditional family structures and protect African cultural values against perceived foreign ideologies on gender, sexuality, and reproductive rights. The Accra conference sought to build momentum for the charter ahead of a potential presentation to the African Union General Assembly.
The United States Department of Justice DoJ has issued an update on the case of Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, who faces extradition proceedings for allegedly scamming Americans. In a statement released on June 4, 2026, the DoJ identified Abu Trica's case as one of several "consumer fraud" investigations. The investigation involves at least five Ghanaian individuals accused of defrauding over 130 victims across the United States through romance scams, resulting in losses exceeding $15 million. The DoJ reported that three suspects residing in the US, Jamal Abubakari, Kamal Abubakari, and Amanda Joy Opoku-Boachie, were detained this week. Abu Trica and Daniel Yussif, who are in Ghana, are awaiting extradition. The suspects allegedly targeted older Americans on dating websites and social media platforms, using advanced techniques, including AI-driven video platforms, to create fictitious female personas. Victims were reportedly misled into sending money via wire transfers to accounts controlled by the conspirators, with funds then transferred to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere. The DoJ has recovered assets valued at over $3 million, including a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. The FBI commended Ghanaian law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney-General’s Office, Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO, Ghana Police Service GPS, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, Ghana Narcotics Control Commission NACOC, Ghana Financi