Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has pleaded not guilty to charges of extortion during his first court appearance in Accra.

The case, which has drawn national attention, involves allegations that Dr. Abdul-Hamid used his position to solicit illicit payments from petroleum sector stakeholders during his tenure.

Appearing before the High Court on Wednesday, the former NPA boss firmly denied the charges.

The court, presided over by Justice Ellen Mireku, granted him bail to the tune of GHS 2 million with two sureties, one to be justified.

He was also ordered to deposit his passport with the court and report to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) twice a week until further notice.

Prosecutors allege that the accused demanded large sums of money from industry players under the guise of regulatory clearance and threatened to delay or withhold approvals for those who failed to comply.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid, a former Minister for Information and respected academic, has maintained his innocence and described the charges as politically motivated.

The case has been adjourned to August 12, 2025, for case management and further proceedings.