Mustapha Hamid barred from travelling abroad by High Court during trial

The High Court in Accra has rejected an application from Dr. Mustapha Hamid, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), seeking permission to travel outside the country. Dr. Hamid, who also served as Ghana's Minister for Information under the previous administration, is currently facing trial for alleged corruption. The court's decision ensures that the first accused remains within the jurisdiction as the legal proceedings progress and the case continues to be heard. Dr. Hamid is the primary defendant in the legal action titled "The Republic v Mustapha Hamid & 7 Others," which involves seven other individuals. The charges against the former public official center on his tenure during the Nana Akufo-Addo administration, specifically his roles at the NPA and the Ministry of Information. By denying the application to travel, the court emphasized the importance of his presence in the country to facilitate the smooth continuation of the high-profile legal battle. The trial is part of a broader series of legal actions involving former government officials following the transition to the administration of President John Mahama in January 2025. Legal experts suggest that the court's refusal to grant travel clearance reflects a cautious approach to high-stakes corruption cases, aiming to prevent potential delays or risks to the judicial process. Dr. Hamid and his legal team must now prepare for the next phase of the trial without the possibility of overseas travel for the time being.