An Accra High Court has dismissed an application from Mustapha Hamid, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), seeking permission to travel outside Ghana. The ruling, which was confirmed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on October 22, 2026, comes as Hamid remains under trial for alleged extortion within the nation’s petroleum sector. The court's refusal to grant the travel request ensures that the defendant remains within the jurisdiction to answer the charges brought against him by the state.The application was filed by Hamid’s legal team in an attempt to secure leave for the former official to go abroad while the legal proceedings remain active. However, the prosecution, led by the OSP, continues to focus on allegations related to financial misconduct and illicit demands purportedly made during Hamid’s leadership at the NPA. The Special Prosecutor has prioritized this case as part of a broader mandate to address corruption and abuse of office within high-level government agencies and critical regulatory bodies.By denying the request, the High Court has signaled its intent to maintain the integrity of the judicial process and avoid potential complications or delays that could arise from the defendant's absence. The trial is expected to proceed in the coming months, with the state continuing to present evidence regarding the alleged extortion scheme. This ruling underscores the legal constraints placed on public officials facing serious criminal charges and ensures that the case involving the petroleum sector proceeds without interruption.