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Money Laundering Scandal – OSP Charges Former NPA CEO and Others Over GH¢280 Million Extortion

By
Ivy Hollys
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Money Laundering Scandal

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed criminal charges against seven individuals and three companies in a money laundering scandal, including the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mustapha Abdul-Hamid. 

This follows a far-reaching investigation into an alleged extortion and money laundering scandal within the petroleum sector involving GH¢280,516,127.19. In a statement released on Thursday, July 17, the OSP detailed the results of an inquiry launched in late 2024 into what it describes as a “sprawling extortion and money laundering scheme.” 

The investigation revealed an alleged diversion of public funds and collusion between NPA officials and private sector actors, including oil marketing and petroleum transport companies.

Key Accused Named in the Money Laundering Scandal

The accused persons include:

  • Mustapha Abdul-Hamid – Former CEO, NPA
  • Jacob Kwamina Amuah – Coordinator, Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF), and Managing Director of Propnest Ltd., Kel Logistics Ltd., and Kings Energy Ltd.
  • Wendy Newman – NPA Staff Member
  • Albert Ankrah – Director, Kel Logistics Ltd.
  • Isaac Mensah – Director, Kel Logistics Ltd.
  • Bright Bediako-Mensah – Director, Kel Logistics Ltd. and Kings Energy Ltd.
  • Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah – Director, Kings Energy Ltd.
  • Propnest Ltd.
  • Kel Logistics Ltd.
  • Kings Energy Ltd.

An eleventh individual, Osei Tutu Adjei, identified as a director of Kel Logistics Ltd., is currently at large and being pursued by law enforcement authorities.

The Alleged Scheme

According to the OSP, between 2022 and December 2024, Abdul-Hamid, Amuah, and Newman acted in their official capacities at the NPA to orchestrate an illegal payment scheme. The trio is alleged to have extorted money from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies under the pretext of regulatory enforcement.

“The scheme… lacked any lawful mandate and exploited their positions within the NPA,” the OSP stated, adding that GH¢280,516,127.19 was unlawfully collected.

The statement revealed that GH¢24 million was handed directly by Amuah to Abdul-Hamid between January and December 2024. A further GH¢227.2 million was channelled through Wendy Newman, acting under Amuah’s instruction.

The remaining accused persons—directors of the three private companies—are alleged to have laundered the illicit funds. These proceeds were reportedly used to acquire real estate, construct fuel stations, and purchase oil trucks, as part of efforts to conceal the origin of the money.

“These companies were created and used to conceal and disguise the origin of criminal proceeds,” the OSP revealed.

Charges Filed

All ten accused—seven individuals and three companies—face a total of 25 charges, including:

  • Extortion by a Public Officer, contrary to Section 151 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)
  • Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, contrary to Section 23 of Act 29 and Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044)
  • Money Laundering, contrary to Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 4 of Act 1044

The OSP emphasised that those arrested are expected to appear before the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra for their pleas to be taken on a date to be announced.

OSP’s Position

The Office of the Special Prosecutor reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable.

“The scheme… lacked any lawful mandate and exploited their positions within the NPA,” the OSP stated.

“These companies were created and used to conceal and disguise the origin of criminal proceeds,” he added.

The OSP further urged public institutions and citizens to report wrongdoing, stressing that it would continue to prosecute corruption-related offences “without fear or favour.”

Lee Jae-yong Cleared of Fraud Charges by South Korea’s Top Court

By
Ivy Hollys
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Lee Jae-yong cleared—South Korea’s Supreme Court has officially acquitted the Samsung executive of all fraud charges, concluding a high-profile legal battle centered on a 2015 merger deal.

Lee, the grandson of Samsung’s founder and the company’s de facto leader since 2014, was accused of stock manipulation and accounting fraud. Prosecutors claimed the alleged misconduct was designed to consolidate his control over Samsung. The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld previous rulings that found him not guilty, ending a years-long investigation and courtroom battle.

Samsung’s legal representatives welcomed the ruling. “Today, the Supreme Court clearly confirmed that the merger of Samsung C&T and the accounting treatment of Samsung Biologics were lawful,” a statement read. “We sincerely thank the court for its wise judgment after a thorough five-year trial process.”

The allegations against Lee centered on the valuation of Samsung Biologics, which prosecutors said was intentionally inflated. They argued this move allowed Lee to secure a favorable position in a critical 2015 merger with Samsung C&T. The merger was seen as key to solidifying his succession after his father, Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack in 2014 and later died in 2020.

Lee Jae-yong cleared once again by the courts reflects a significant legal victory. His legal troubles began in 2017, when he was arrested and later convicted for bribing an aide to former President Park Geun-hye. That conviction was related to efforts to smooth his succession as head of the conglomerate.

He served part of a jail sentence but was released on parole and later granted a special presidential pardon. The pardon was issued in the context of South Korea’s post-pandemic recovery, with government officials noting his role in the economy.

Lee Jae-yong cleared: Final Court Decisions and Industry Response

A district court in 2024 found him not guilty of the $8 billion merger-related charges. Prosecutors appealed the decision, but the High Court upheld the acquittal. With Lee Jae-yong cleared by the Supreme Court, all charges related to the merger have now been conclusively dismissed.

During his trials, Lee publicly acknowledged the immense challenges facing Samsung. “The challenges Samsung faces are more difficult than ever, but I will push forward,” he stated during court proceedings in 2024.

Over the past decade, the company has encountered intense global competition. Samsung Electronics, in particular, has reported falling sales in key sectors such as smartphones and semiconductors. The uncertainty surrounding the legal proceedings added to these difficulties.

The final verdict has been positively received by South Korea’s business community. The Federation of Korean Industries noted that the decision would allow for swifter, more confident decision-making within Samsung. Business leaders view Lee Jae-yong cleared as a chance for Samsung to move forward without legal distractions.

Trade tensions with the United States, especially around technology and tariffs, remain a key concern for Samsung. Industry observers believe that resolving leadership uncertainty will help the company better navigate these external pressures.

With Lee Jae-yong cleared, Samsung is expected to renew its focus on long-term strategy, innovation, and global market leadership.

Four People Arrested in Sangbana for Killing 70-Year-Old Woman Accused of Being a Witch

By
Ivy Hollys
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Arrested

The Ghana Police Service in the North East Region has arrested four people who are suspected of killing a 70-year-old woman called Noab Bilatukin in Sangbana, a village near Bunkpurugu.

According to the police statement , the incident happened on July 10, 2025. The suspects Suuk Jakwa (67), Banyiwoo Ntookwib (32), Moapya Kwayaja (30), and Amos Niaji (29) accused the old woman of being a witch and beat her to death. After committing the crime, they ran away from the village.

Suspects Arrested After Fleeing the Community

However, on July 14, 2025, police officers, acting on good information, were able to arrest all four suspects from different villages around Bunkpurugu. They are now in police custody and being questioned. Police say they will take them to court after investigations are done.

The Police have warned the public, especially people in the North East Region, to stop accusing old people of being witches or wizards. These false claims often lead to violence and death. The police say anyone who does this will face the full force of the law.

“We are calling on the public to stop this dangerous act. You will be arrested and punished if you harm anyone based on witchcraft accusations,” said DSP Robert Anabiik Anmain, the Police Public Relations Officer for the region.

Minister for Education Secures €5 Million Grant from Italian Government to Boost TVET in Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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TVET

As Ghana joins the rest of the world to mark World Youth Skills Day 2025, the Minister for Education has announced that the Italian Government has awarded Ghana a €5 million grant to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country.

Speaking on the parliament floor on Tuesday July 15, 2025, the Minister emphasized the importance of equipping young people with relevant skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

“Today is a significant moment for Ghana. Not only are we celebrating World Youth Skills Day, but we are also launching National TVET Week 2025 a week dedicated to showcasing youth innovation and technical excellence across the country,” he stated HON SEBASTIAN DEH

National TVET Week 2025 Launched to Promote Youth Innovation

This year’s celebration is being held under the theme:
“Through Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization: The Role of Technology in Shaping Skills for the Future Workforce.”

As part of the activities, the Ghana TVET Service, one of the country’s leading workforce development institutions, is spearheading nationwide events to highlight the transformative power of technical and vocational training.

The Minister reiterated that TVET plays a critical role in economic transformation and must be central to national policy planning.

“Skills development through TVET is key to Ghana’s future. We must align training with industry-led demand to ensure our youth are ready for the job market. All policy measures must focus on building a thriving, modern, and employable workforce,” he added.

The €5 million support from Italy is expected to be channeled into upgrading infrastructure, enhancing digital training tools, and expanding access to technical education, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Akufo-Addo Denies Allegations of intervening in NPP Delegates Conference

By
Ivy Hollys
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Akufo-Addo

The Office of Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has firmly denied reports suggesting that he is attempting to interfere with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming National Delegates Conference scheduled for July 19.

According to a press release issued on Sunday, July 14, 2025, the former president described as “completely false” publications by Otecfmghana and GhanaWeb, which alleged that he had petitioned party leadership to overturn an earlier decision on holding early primaries and to postpone the upcoming delegates conference.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state emphatically that these reports are completely false,” the statement read.

Akufo-Addo Not Involved in NPP Internal Affairs – Statement Clarifies

The office clarified that President Akufo-Addo has been outside the country for some time and has neither submitted any petition nor made any requests formal or informal regarding the party’s internal processes.

“President Akufo Addo, who has been out of the jurisdiction for some time now, has not made any such requests on the party either by a petition or any other means and he does not have any such intentions,” the statement emphasized.

The release further suggested that those responsible for spreading the allegations are acting out of personal interest, rather than seeking the well-being of the New Patriotic Party.

“Clearly, those behind these publications have an agenda of their own, which has nothing to do with improving the fortunes of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),” it added.

The statement was signed by the Office of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Former President of the Republic.

This development comes just days ahead of a crucial National Delegates Conference that many party faithful expect will shape the party’s direction ahead of the 2028 general elections.

President Mahama Cancels Fuel Allowances for Political Appointees

By
Ivy Hollys
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President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate cancellation of all fuel allowances and fuel allocations to political appointees as part of new cost-cutting measures introduced by his administration.

The directive, announced by the Communications Department of the Presidency, is aimed at reducing government expenditure and redirecting public funds into more critical and priority areas of national development.

According to the Presidency, the move reflects the President’s position that leadership must share in the sacrifices being demanded of the general population as part of broader efforts to stabilize the economy and manage public resources more effectively.

President Directive Part of Broader Government Spending Cuts

This policy comes after earlier steps taken by the government to reduce spending, including a significant cut in the size of government through the appointment of fewer ministers and a reduced Presidential Office staff.

Other cost-saving measures already implemented include the discontinuation of satellite TV subscriptions for government offices, including facilities at the Presidency.

The announcement was confirmed by the President’s spokesperson, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament.

Akrofrom: 34-Year-Old Man Found Dead Under Pylon, Police Begin Investigations

By
Ivy Hollys
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Akrofrom: 34-Year-Old Man Found Dead Under Pylon
Akrofrom: 34-Year-Old Man Found Dead Under Pylon

Residents of Akrofrom, a community in the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region, have been left in shock following the discovery of a 34-year-old man found dead under a high-tension pylon.

The deceased, who has been identified by some community members as “Stone”, was found on Saturday, July 13, 2025.

Hon. Tony Nyantakyi, the Assembly Member for the Apagya Electoral Area, told reporters that he received a call from one of his unit committee members around 11:30 a.m., informing him about the incident.

He noted that upon arrival at the scene, a small wound was noticed under the man’s left breast, which appeared to have been tied with a sponge, possibly in an attempt to stop bleeding. However, the actual cause of death remains unknown at this time.

Community in Shock After Akrofrom Dead Incident

Hon. Nyantakyi further indicated that the police have taken custody of the body and have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the case.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, many of whom say they are living in fear and are calling on the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and justice.

Interior Minister Speaks at Accountability Series –New Internship Scheme Targets Youth Unemployment and Security Sector Support

By
Ivy Hollys
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Interior Minister Speaks at Accountability Series
Interior Minister Speaks at Accountability Series

The Interior Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has stressed the importance of accountability and support for law enforcement during the maiden Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Monday, July 13.

He stated that he had contacted Honourable Hawa Koomson following recent developments, offering his sympathy and urging her to cooperate fully with the police.

“I called the Honourable Hawa Koomson to empathise with her. I asked what happened, and she explained. I told her I have instructed the IGP to investigate her thoroughly. My plea to her is that when they invite you, go and make all your facts available so that it will help them to ascertain what truly happened,” he said.

The Interior Minister further revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had been fully briefed on events in Ablekuma North. Video evidence was said to have been sent to the police to assist with investigations.

“I have spoken to the IGP firmly on all the happenings of Ablekuma North, and the videos have been forwarded to him. We’ve instructed him to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book,” he stated.

Political allegiance, the Interior Minister noted, would not protect individuals from facing legal consequences. “We are not going to condone wrongdoing, whether it involves people from within our party or from outside,” he added.

Interior Minister Reaffirms Mandate and Launches Internship Programme

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s mission to maintain peace and strengthen national institutions. He expressed a strong commitment to using all available avenues to fulfil this mandate.

“The Ministry is keen to seize every opportunity presented to it towards executing its mandate, plans, programmes, and ensuring peace and security for the good people of Ghana,” he said.

A key announcement was the launch of a new internship scheme for the youth, developed through a memorandum of understanding between the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Youth Development.

“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Youth Development for security agencies internship, enhancing youth employability,” said the Interior Minister.

It was confirmed that the first group of interns would begin their programme on the 16th of the month.

“The first batch of these interns will commence on the 16th of this month,” he confirmed.

The initiative, according to the Interior Minister, will provide young Ghanaians with practical work experience. It is also expected to help security agencies meet operational needs while tackling youth unemployment across the country.

By linking security sector growth with youth development, the Interior Minister underscored the importance of cross-ministerial collaboration in building national resilience.

“The Law Will Have to Take Its Course” – Interior Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Interior Minister
Interior Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety

The Interior Minister, Hon. Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to public safety and the rule of law. He addressed the public in response to recent acts of violence in Ablekuma North.

At the latest Accountability Series, a government initiative for citizen engagement, the Interior Minister disclosed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had been briefed. He confirmed that videos related to the violence were forwarded to the IGP for immediate action.

“I have spoken to the IGP firmly on all the happenings of Ablekuma North, and the videos have been forwarded to him. We’ve instructed him to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.

The Interior Minister emphasized that political affiliation would not protect anyone involved in unlawful acts.

“We are not going to condone wrongdoing, whether it involves people from within our party or from outside,” he added.

He noted that his ministry remained committed to delivering peace and security nationwide. He also explained that every opportunity would be seized to fulfil this mandate.

“The Ministry is keen to seize every opportunity presented to it towards executing its mandate, plans, programmes, and ensuring peace and security for the good people of Ghana,” Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said.

Vigilantism and Election Violence Under Scrutiny – Interior Minister

The Interior Minister used the platform to call attention to the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999). He urged citizens and officials to respect its provisions and refrain from acts of vigilantism.

“I want to remind myself and all Ghanaians about the provision of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019, Act 999, that all of us need to be mindful of the activities of vigilantism,” he stated.

He expressed disappointment over recent electoral violence, describing it as a blemish on the country’s democratic record.

“It is a scar on all of our consciences that as a people who have practised democracy for over three decades, we can’t simply just go and have elections and it be violence-free.”

The Interior Minister also acknowledged the broad condemnation of the events by senior leaders.

“Almost all of us at the top have condemned it. In the past, you would not get that. The Vice President has done that. The President is out of the country, and the Vice President is leading us, and she condemned it.”

He issued a firm promise that the law would be applied without hesitation.

“The assurance is that we are not going to allow this to go unpunished. The law will have to take its course.”

Citizens Urged to Promote Peace and Unity

The Interior Minister closed with a call for nationwide responsibility in fostering peace. He encouraged Ghanaians to actively build unity across social, economic, and ethnic divides.

“We must all contribute our quota in ensuring that we live peacefully with each other regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, or economic or social status.”

With this message, the Interior Minister underscored the importance of collective effort in maintaining Ghana’s democratic integrity and security.

“My Own Party Has Sidelined Me” – Former President Kufuor Laments

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed deep disappointment over what he describes as neglect by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a political party he helped build and led to power in 2001.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by NPP flagbearer hopeful Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the statesman lamented that he is no longer involved in major decision-making processes within the party. According to him, despite his years of service and leadership, he is not even invited to attend National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.

“I don’t understand why my own party, the NPP, has sidelined me,” the former president said, visibly emotional. “I haven’t reached that stage yet. My mind and memory are still intact.”

President Kufuor’s Concerns Highlight Strained Relations Within NPP Leadership

President Kufuor, who served two terms in office from 2001 to 2009, remains a respected figure both within the NPP and across the political divide. However, his recent remarks point to a growing disconnect between the party’s current leadership and some of its founding members.

His statement has sparked conversations within political circles about the treatment of senior statesmen in Ghana’s political landscape and the need for unity within the NPP ahead of the 2024 general elections.

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