The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has launched a fresh investigation into former board members of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), intensifying scrutiny in a corruption scandal already drawing national attention. The probe follows explosive charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against ex-NPA CEO Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine others in a GHC280 million extortion and money laundering case.
The former board, chaired by Joe Addo-Yobo, featured several high-profile personalities, including veteran broadcaster Kwami Sefa Kayi, lawyer Manuel Sawyerr, Dr. Clement Osei Amoako, Bernard Owusu, Dr. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, and NPP’s Diana Mogre. Notably, Dr. Abdul-Hamid, already facing charges from the OSP, also served on the board — a dual role that now raises significant questions about internal governance and accountability.
Sources close to EOCO say the agency is reviewing the roles of board members and senior executives who served between May 2022 and late 2024, during Abdul-Hamid’s tenure as CEO. His deputies, Perry Okudzeto and Linda Boamah Asante, are also under scrutiny. The investigation reportedly stems from whistleblower complaints and financial discrepancies flagged under Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a coordinated anti-corruption initiative.
EOCO is expected to summon several former board members in the coming weeks. Investigators are currently examining internal memos, board minutes, and authorizations linked to large payments disguised as “compliance fees,” “special projects,” and “industry contributions.”
The OSP, in an earlier press briefing, claimed that as much as GHC1.3 billion in suspect transactions had been uncovered. However, only GHC280 million was cited in the initial charges. Insiders suggest that the remaining amount could implicate more officials, including board members who have yet to be publicly named.
Legal experts warn that former board members could face charges if found complicit. “Board members have a fiduciary responsibility. If it’s proven they approved or overlooked fraudulent payments, they could be charged with abetment or dereliction of duty,” one analyst explained.
