The High Court has dismissed an application by former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Officer Mustapha Hamid seeking permission to travel abroad while standing trial over allegations of extortion in Ghana’s petroleum sector.
The application, brought by Hamid, the first accused in the case of The Republic v Mustapha Hamid & 7 Others, was opposed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
In its ruling on Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Court held that an accused person on bail whose movement is restricted must demonstrate compelling reasons to justify a temporary relaxation of the restrictions.
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The Court found that the grounds presented by Hamid were insufficient to warrant the requested permission and subsequently dismissed the application.
The decision means Hamid’s existing movement restrictions remain in force, subject to any further orders by the Court.
Hamid, a former Minister for Information and ex-chief executive of the NPA, is standing trial alongside seven others over allegations that they extorted money from players in the petroleum sector.
The case is being prosecuted by the OSP as part of efforts to address alleged corruption and unlawful financial demands within the petroleum industry.
The accused persons had previously applied to have the charge sheet struck out, but the Court dismissed the application, allowing the pre-trial process to continue.
The proceedings have also been marked by disagreements over scheduling. In an earlier development, the Court rejected an adjournment request by Hamid’s lead counsel, Joseph Kpemka.
Following Thursday’s ruling, the trial is expected to proceed to the case management conference, which will help determine the arrangements for the next stages of the proceedings.
The dismissal of Hamid’s travel application is the latest development in the ongoing case, which remains before the High Court.
The allegations against Hamid and the seven other accused persons have yet to be established in court, and the case remains subject to due process.